LEWISTON, ID – Lewis-Clark State College officials presented a request to change the school’s name to Lewis-Clark State University at the Idaho State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday and received unanimous approval. 

The name change proposal, which would require an amendment to state statute, will now advance for consideration by the Idaho Legislature. 

“We are very grateful to the State Board of Education for its careful consideration of this proposal, as well as its support and guidance,” LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said. “We look forward to next steps as we work together for the benefit of students and Idaho.” 

According to a Lewis-Clark State College news release, the name change is expected to better represent the full range, scope and quality of the education programs offered at LC State – including GED, certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate programs. It’s also expected to help in recruitment and marketing, strengthen existing partnerships and pipelines with sister institutions, and grow awareness of new niche graduate program offerings. 

In 2020, Idaho statute was officially amended to allow LC State to offer its first graduate degrees. Since this time, LC State has launched niche-specific and high-need graduate programs, including master’s degrees in nursing leadership in healthcare and cyber-accounting. 

“Since its founding in 1893, LC State has undergone three name changes,” Pemberton said. “As we strive to best serve students, our community, and Idaho, now is the right time to evolve our name to university. This shift would not change the scope and focus of the high quality, accessible, affordable education we provide. Instead, it would better communicate what we offer already. We’re proud to serve as Idaho’s only small public college and, if we are successful in obtaining approval with the legislature and accrediting agency, we will be proud to serve as Idaho’s only small public university.” 

Over the past two years, the college has held more than 25 focus groups and campus conversations with students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of the college, and also conducted a campuswide survey regarding the moniker change. The feedback received has been strongly in favor of the name change proposal. 

The college has published an information webpage with frequently asked questions at www.lcsc.edu/university. Additional feedback and questions can be emailed to news@lcsc.edu.