On June 21, 2000, in a quiet moment that would ripple across decades, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced that Ricks College would become Brigham Young University-Idaho. With that statement, broadcast live from Salt Lake City to a gymnasium full of students, employees, and community members in Rexburg, a new chapter of the Church Educational System began.
In the 25 years since that announcement, much has changed—and yet, the most important things have remained the same.
A Moment That Changed Everything
That morning, faculty and staff were summoned to the Hart Auditorium with little context. Speculation ranged from a new campus leader to a possible closure of the school. Few imagined the scale of what was to come.
“We had been told over and over that [becoming a university] would never happen,” said Jack Harrell, an English faculty member. “When [President Hinckley] made the announcement, the whole gym erupted in cheers.”
The moment marked a turning point. Many felt a deep sense of spiritual confirmation.
“There was a strong current in the room,” said Tammie Bagley, University Operations employee development coordinator. “Personally, I felt a deep spiritual confirmation—chills, even—that this was a divinely inspired transition.”
Still the Spirit of Ricks
While the name changed, the heart of the institution did not.
“[This is] a place where it’s easy to find the Savior … [and] the Spirit is welcome,” said Lane Williams, a communications faculty member. “BYU-Idaho is a place of second chances, a place of believing that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”
As Ricks transformed from a college into a university, the campus stayed committed to the same goal: nurturing students in a Christ-centered environment filled with love and purpose. Faculty and staff kept the personal connections and one-on-one mentoring that had always been Ricks College's trademark, even as enrollment grew.
“The ‘Spirit of Ricks’ filled the campus,” said Judy Steiner, event management director. “Employees were incredibly unified in providing an exceptional educational and spiritual experience for every student.”
Mission-Driven, Student-Focused
In the months and years that followed, BYU-Idaho faculty and staff worked tirelessly to expand academic offerings without compromising on cost, values, or student support. New four-year programs were developed not only to elevate educational opportunities but to help students prepare for careers and service in the Lord’s kingdom.
“It was a lot of work,” said Greg Cameron, a mathematics faculty member. “But there was divine guidance and help, and the backing of the Church made it a great experience.”
One guiding principle of the transformation was affordability. Even as BYU-Idaho became a four-year university, the institution retained its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education at a price families could afford. That commitment continues today, offering students an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree.
A Culture of Joy and Purpose
Even amid uncertainty and change, many remember a joyful and optimistic energy following the announcement.
“There was this kind of electric environment that didn’t stop buzzing,” said Grover Wray, a sociology and social work faculty member. “Faculty and students … seemed to be so cheerful with the wonderful news we received.”
As part of the transition, traditional intercollegiate sports were phased out, and a new activities program took their place. The new activities program continued the sports program’s focus on service, friendship, spiritual growth, and the Spirit of Ricks, and brought those attributes to the full student body—allowing every student to participate.
Looking Forward with Faith
A quarter-century later, BYU-Idaho continues to carry forward the birthright of this prophetic vision. Enrollment has more than tripled, and programs have expanded in both breadth and innovation, all while staying deeply anchored in the university’s mission to “develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.”
“BYU-Idaho is the fulfillment of prophecy and a miracle,” said John Ivers, a languages and international studies faculty member. “We have been led well and have seen great things happen.”
President Hinckley’s announcement was more than institutional news. It was a call to build—a university unlike any other, led by revelation, built on consecration, and defined by faith.
“We were not given the charge to duplicate what had been done elsewhere,” said Eric Embree, a communication faculty member. “We were building ‘a ship of curious workmanship,’” as President David A. Bednar said in his 1998 inaugural address, “[and] relying heavily on the Lord’s guidance to do so.”
As the university celebrates this 25-year milestone, the spirit that once filled the halls of Ricks College continues to thrive. BYU-Idaho remains, above all else, a place where students come to grow in light and truth—and leave prepared to bless the world.