BYU-Idaho's Rich Heritage

At BYU-Idaho, we have a rich history of service and faith that is more than 130 years old. Our founders’ values, sacrifice, humility, and care for others guide our past and our future.

1888 to 1891: Ricks Academy Era

Since the Bannock Stake Academy was created in Rexburg, Idaho, on November 12, 1888, the pioneering spirit of education has burned strong in the area. Jacob Spori, one of the first three academy teachers, served as the first principal from 1888 to 1891.

1888

Bannock Stake Academy established, offering elementary school-level courses in a log schoolhouse. Served 59 students ranging in ages from 5-20.

1900

Curriculum expanded to include high school-level courses. Cornerstone laid for the Spori Building.

1903

Name changed to Ricks Academy in honor of founder Thomas E. Ricks. Spori Building construction completed.

1915

Principal Andrew B. Christenson spent part of the summer of 1915 in Utah, attending to business interests. He also met with the Church Board of Education. Early in August, he announced Church board authorization of academy curriculum expansion to accommodate first-year college courses. That news was greeted with enthusiasm. Sacrifices by those involved with the academy during very trying times seemed to be further rewarded. He also announced authorization for a new academy building-a gymnasium. Permanency of the institution seemed assured, and two of Principal Christenson's major goals were now going to be realized.

1923

High school-level courses phased out. Name changed to Ricks College.

Pioneer photograph of original Bannock Stake Academy Building in 1891 with teachers and students

Pioneer photograph of Ricks Academy Building under construction in 1902

Vintage photo of the Spori Building from 1910 with a large group of people in front.

A vintage photograph from 1915 featuring five male students dressed in coveralls and hold various tools in a shop class.

A vintage photograph from the 1900 of four rows of 31 male and female students in graduation robes.

1988 to 2000: Ricks College Era

By its centennial, Ricks College, had expanded to its enrollment limit of 7,500 students. It soon became the largest privately owned two-year institution of higher education in the U.S. by the end of the 20th century. Looking to increase opportunities for students to attend a church-owned school, Church President Gordon B. Hinckley announced a transition to a four-year school on June 21, 2000.

1988

Ricks College celebrates its centennial. "Ricks College is the finest place I know for students to spend their first two college years, for three reasons, academics, developmental opportunities and religion," commented President Joe J. Christensen, President of Ricks College, in an interview by Lee Warnick, Church News staff writer. "Ricks students get an experience that is pretty well self-contained within the framework of the gospel," Christensen explained. "The faculty is committed to the gospel, the students are committed to the gospel, and our whole intention is to provide an experience that stresses academics in a religious environment."

1999

Ricks College is the largest private junior college in the United States.

2000

Transition from Ricks College to Brigham Young University-Idaho announced, along with a year-round operations calendar to serve more students. Complete online courses begin.

A group of students sitting by a statue on the BYU-Idaho campus.

Aerial view of campus from 1999, looking south.

President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Henry B. Eyring at the news conference announcing the creation of BYU-Idaho.

2001 to Present: BYU-Idaho Era

BYU-Idaho quickly expanded its reach by creating the BYU Pathway program, which allowed students to enroll in an affordable online education program from all over the world. The influence of BYU-Idaho continues to bless the lives of students all over the world.

2001

On June 21, 2000, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that Ricks College would become a four-year institution known as Brigham Young University–Idaho.

2009

Pathway, a program developed by BYU-Idaho to help individuals seek higher education, launches with sites in Manhattan, NY, Nampa, ID, and Mesa, AZ. Enrollment begins with 48 students.

2015

Centre Square, a new on-campus housing complex opens, replacing the old dormitories and apartments built in the 60s and 70s.

2017

The Science and Technology Center, Central Energy Facility, and Agricultural Science Center are dedicated.

2021

Campus now spans 430 acres with over 40 buildings with more than 32,000 students enrolled in classes on the Rexburg campus annually. Students come from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.

In partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide and Ensign College, BYU-Idaho served nearly 27,000 online degree-seeking students across the globe in 2021, offering six online-specific degrees and more than 30 certificates. Online Learning offers more than 400 courses for online and campus-based students.