BYU-Idaho celebrates 25 years of transformation in Rexburg
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – A quarter century after the creation of Brigham Young University-Idaho, the state’s largest university by enrollment is celebrating the major milestone in style.
“25 years ago, Ricks College was an amazing junior college serving just over 12,000 students, granting associates degrees,” Brigham Young University-Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III told Local News 8 in an exclusive interview. “Now we are a four year university serving over 33,000 students each year.”
The transformation began on June 21, 2000, when President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced that the biggest private two-year college in America would take a major leap forward.
“We’re pleased to announce that Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, will change from its present two-year junior college status to a four year institution,” President Hinckley announced. “The new four-year school will be known as Brigham Young University-Idaho.”
“It was a prophetic announcement, and it took the vision of a prophet to understand what this campus could become,” Meredith said.
In August 2001, BYU-Idaho became a reality.
“We have not arrived at our ultimate destination, but we are certainly making rapid progress,” said BYU-Idaho’s 14th President, Elder David A. Bednar.
25 years later, the transformation continues.
“Ricks College was an amazing was an amazing school, … but President Hinckley had an amazing vision of what this campus could become and how it could serve more and more students,” Meredith added.
Students from all 50 states and 90 nations come to experience the unique faith-centered and academic education at BYU-Idaho.
“It’s really amazing being at BYU-Idaho where you get so many spiritual opportunities, to learn and grow with other people and you actually make friends for life,” said Emily Jena, a computer science student from South Africa.
One freshmen agreed whole-heartedly.
“I would definitely recommend coming to BYU-Idaho. It was my dream school. and I’m so happy that I’m here,” said Jenna Blackmon, a natural sciences student from Iowa. “It’s just such a welcoming environment.”
The university adopted a unique student-centered Learning Model – encouraging students to prepare through homework and readings, teach fellow students what they’ve learned in class, and “internalize their studies through review, reflection and application.”
“I personally love the sense of belonging at BYU-Idaho. I feel like just my experience here has been very lovely,” said Enoch Olayemi, a computer science senior from Nigeria. “Like every instructor that I have, every friend that I make just genuinely cares about me.”
Jordyn Bennion from Carrie, Idaho, echoed his assessment.
“I love the connection on campus. Everyone’s very friendly and they’re very kind to everybody,” the pre-nursing student said. “I feel like it definitely helps boost your morale.”
Programs and innovation pioneered at BYU-Idaho are transforming education across the globe.
“The BYU pathway program was born out of this campus. That program alone serves more than 100,000 students worldwide,” Meredith said.
The school will honor a previous president and current apostle Elder David A. Bednar and his wife Susan Bednar at a special devotional Thursday night and at Spirit Week festivities Friday, for leading the university to success a quarter century ago.
The school plans continue to expand ‘the Spirit of Ricks’ far into the future.
“Our vision is to continue on the steady upward course, as President Henry B. Eyring would say, that this university has been placed on,” Meredith said. “We are resolutely focused on our mission, which is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the church and their communities. I think we are uniquely positioned to help prepare our students to be a force for good in the workplace.”
Brigham Young University-Idaho’s 18th President Alvin F. Meredith III discusses the school’s progress and future trajectory on Wednesday.
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