Idaho Senate Approves LCSC Name Change to University

Bill heads to House after unanimous Senate vote to rebrand Lewis-Clark State College.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Idaho Senate unanimously approved a bill to change the name of Lewis-Clark State College to Lewis-Clark State University. The sponsoring senator said the change would better reflect the institution's four-year degree offerings and address confusion among some students who assume it is a community college.

Why it matters

The name change is seen as an important branding update for the Lewiston-based college, which offers associate's and bachelor's degrees along with some graduate programs. Supporters argue the 'college' in the current name leads to misconceptions about the school's academic offerings.

The details

Senate Bill 1234, sponsored by Sen. Cindy Carlson, R-Riggins, would officially rebrand Lewis-Clark State College as Lewis-Clark State University. Carlson said the change would 'better reflect LC State's four-year degree offerings' and address 'great confusion' among some students who assume it is a community college.

  • The Idaho Senate unanimously approved the name change bill on February 10, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Idaho House for consideration.

The players

Cindy Carlson

A Republican state senator from Riggins, Idaho who sponsored the bill to change the name of Lewis-Clark State College to Lewis-Clark State University.

Lewis-Clark State College

A public four-year college located in Lewiston, Idaho that offers associate's and bachelor's degrees as well as some graduate programs.

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What they’re saying

“This causes great confusion.”

— Cindy Carlson, State Senator (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill must now pass the Idaho House before being signed into law by the governor.

The takeaway

The proposed name change for Lewis-Clark State College reflects an effort to better brand the institution as a comprehensive four-year university rather than a community college, which some prospective students have mistakenly assumed it to be.