The story of BYU–Idaho begins in 1888, when Latter-day Saint pioneers established the Bannock Stake Academy in Rexburg, Idaho. Originally housed in a modest log schoolhouse, the academy served students aged 5 to 20 and quickly expanded its curriculum.
- 1903: Renamed Ricks Academy in honor of Thomas E. Ricks, a local church leader and educational visionary.
- 1923: Became Ricks College, a two-year junior college that grew to become the largest private junior college in the U.S. by the late 20th century.
- 2000: In a historic announcement, Church President Gordon B. Hinckley revealed that Ricks College would transition into a four-year university: Brigham Young University–Idaho.
- 2001: BYU–Idaho officially opened its doors, launching a new era of faith-centered higher education and global outreach through programs like BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
Today, BYU–Idaho serves over 30,000 students on campus and tens of thousands more online.
Unveiled on December 10, 2024, the BYUI letters stand 8 feet tall and 30 feet wide, greeting students and visitors at the main entrance of campus.
Post a picure with the monument to share your fun adventures us! There is visitor parking near this cache that is available during the usual permit parking hours. Please obey any time restrictions posted on the signs.
