During President Joe J. Christensen's tenure between 1985 and 1989, the college reached its enrollment limit — 7,500 students at the time. President Christensen encouraged spiritual development and high moral values.
Throughout the year 1988, as the school celebrated its centennial, President Christensen reminded all those involved with Ricks College that, despite the many great institutional and spiritual accomplishments of the previous century, there remained "summits yet to climb." He urged students and faculty — both as individuals and as part of the university — never to stop striving for excellence beyond the present achievements.