Historical Perspective

Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) was established by the Idaho State Legislature in 1893. It originally was designated Lewiston State Normal School, reflecting its early mission as a teacher training institution. In the ensuing years its name has been changed to North Idaho College of Education (1947), Lewis-Clark Normal School (1956) and finally LC State (1971). The state legislature and the State Board of Education authorized the latest name change in recognition of the college’s expanded role as an undergraduate institution, including programs in liberal arts, professional studies and technology.

The college occupies 46 acres on historic Normal Hill in an attractive residential area of Lewiston, Idaho, a city of approximately 35,000 located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Across the Snake River in Washington is Clarkston, with a population of 8,000. The beautiful campus enjoys the mildest winters in Idaho, a unique climate that is matched by a warm and friendly educational environment.

In addition to its on-campus educational opportunities, LC State offers instructional programs in Coeur d’Alene and support services in two other outreach centers located in the region. A variety of alternative learning formats is available, making higher education accessible throughout northern Idaho and eastern Washington. LC State shares a place in the state’s higher education system with the University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Boise State University, which collaborate to offer an array of outstanding educational programs. The four institutions operate under a governing board appointed by Idaho’s governor.

The cities of Lewiston and Clarkston, as well as the college, are named for explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark who led the historic 1804-06 expedition into the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark’s “Corps of Discovery” battling illness and fatigue after crossing the Bitterroot Mountains, spent several weeks recuperating near the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. The hospitable Nez Perce Indians provided food, shelter, horses and guidance as the explorers continued their journey to the Pacific.

LC State Today

LC State is a regional state college, operating under the governance of the Idaho State Board of Education. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate academic, professional, and career & technical programs leading to baccalaureate and associate degrees. The college also offers a number of programs leading to certificates. LC State’s primary emphasis areas are business, justice studies, nursing, social work, teacher preparation, and career & technical education. LC State maintains basic strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, which provide the general education core portion of the curriculum. The institution also conducts selected research studies and provides a variety of lifelong learning opportunities through its continuing education and workforce training programs. LC State works in collaboration with other state and regional postsecondary institutions to serve its diverse constituencies.

Governance

The Idaho State Board of Education is responsible for the general supervision, governance and control of LC State and serves as its Board of Trustees.

Cultural Diversity

LC State is committed to providing a learning environment that affords people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds opportunities to achieve their highest educational goals. The college’s educational and enrichment programs, curricula, faculty, staff and students share the goal of promoting multiethnic/multicultural awareness and acceptance on campus and within the community.

LC State continues to emphasize an ethnically and culturally diverse learning community that prepares students for successful interaction in an increasingly diverse society. The college firmly embraces the philosophy that individuals, free of ethnic and cultural prejudice, are capable of fully participating in a global society. Our commitment to a multiethnic/multicultural environment is clearly articulated in oral and written philosophies governing the recruitment, enrollment and graduation of students and the pursuit, hiring and retention of faculty and staff.

We are especially cognizant of the distinctive relationship between LC State and Native Americans because of the historical significance, proximity and frequent collaboration with the Nez Perce Tribe on projects and programs of mutual benefit.

We recognize the importance of preparing students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds for full participation in an integrated society while preserving and perpetuating their many unique cultural and historical identities. LC State enhances and promotes the free exchange of ideas in an environment that celebrates the dignity, worth and contributions of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds as a means of enabling individuals to reach their potential.