Lewis-Clark State College name change bill stalls in Idaho House

A bill that would have renamed Lewis-Clark State College to a university cleared the Idaho Senate unanimously but never received a hearing in the House, effectively ending the effort for this legislative session.

Senate Bill 1234 passed the Senate 34-0 on Feb. 9 after earning unanimous support in the Senate Education Committee on Feb. 4. The proposal also had the backing of the State Board of Education, all of LC State’s sister institutions, and a broad coalition of health care, community and K-12 education leaders. Despite that support, the bill stalled in the House Education Committee without receiving a hearing.

LC State President Cynthia Pemberton acknowledged the setback Monday but said the campaign helped build meaningful support for the institution.

“While this outcome is disappointing, our advocacy journey gave us the opportunity to connect with legislators, stakeholders and community members locally, regionally and across the state,” Pemberton said. “I also believe the dialogue this session helped build greater awareness and understanding that this proposal is rooted in preserving and strengthening our mission ― not changing it.”

School administrators have argued the name change would correct a persistent and costly misconception that LC State is a two-year community college. Under Idaho’s naming conventions, all public two-year schools are called colleges and all four-year schools are called universities ― except LC State. That anomaly, administrators say, causes Idaho high school and transfer students to overlook the school’s bachelor’s and graduate programs in fields like nursing and teacher education, sending those students ― and their future careers ― out of state.

Administrators stressed the name change would require no new funding and would not alter the college’s mission or designation. Pemberton said the bill will return next session.

“We Warrior-Up, knowing that a pause in this important process is just that: a pause,” Pemberton said. “We remain committed, are encouraged by the progress made, and will prepare for next steps.”