History of Boise State University
Founded as a junior college in 1932 under the sponsorship of the Episcopal Church, Boise State University began with a strong tradition of academic quality and service based in the liberal arts, which continues to guide it today. Bishop Middleton Barnwell became the first president and directed the college from 1932-1934. For the next thirty-three years (1934-1967) the college would be guided by President Eugene B. Chaffee. 
The 1940s witnessed significant growth in the institution's campus, including construction of an auditorium, student union, and administration building. The institution earned regional accreditation by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges in 1941 and the football team enjoyed three undefeated years under Lyle Smith's leadership. During the 1950s, Boise Junior College experienced considerable program growth in its vocational area and began its nursing program. The school was granted four year status in 1965, reached the 5,000 student enrollment mark two years later, and entered the state system of higher education in 1969 as Boise State College. A new student union, library, and Chaffee Residence Hall were constructed during this period.
In 1967, Dr. John B. Barnes took the reins and under his guidance, the college achieved university status and was renamed Boise State University in 1974. During the 1970s, master's degree programs were initiated in education and business. During this same decade, Boise State joined the Big Sky Conference and the NCAA and dramatically increased intercollegiate athletic activities for women. The Science-Nursing, Business, and Education buildings, along with several applied technology buildings, student housing facilities, and the current Bronco Stadium, were added in the 1970s. Enrollment passed the 10,000 mark in 1979, one year into the presidency of Dr. John H. Keiser who would further change the face of the university through his governance into the early 90s. 
Boise State's growth continued through the 1980s, when the Morrison Center and Pavilion were built, expanding the university's ability to serve the community with world class concert, theater and sporting arena facilities. The 1990s was another decade of change. Enrollment surpassed the 15,000 mark in 1993, making Boise State Idaho's largest university. Dr. Charles Ruch became Boise State's fifth president in January 1993. The university's first doctorate degrees were approved - an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction in 1992 and a Ph.D. in geophysics in 1999. Baccalaureate programs in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering were added in 1996 and a master's degree in engineering began in fall 2000. The Honors Program was elevated to the Honors College and business degree programs began in Twin Falls. Boise State moved to Division 1-A football as a member of the Big West Conference. The Albertson's Library, Student Union and Canyon County Center were expanded and renovated. Two new engineering buildings, an addition to Bronco Stadium, a children's center and a multipurpose classroom building also were added. In fall 1999, Boise State became the first Idaho university to top the 16,000 mark, enrolling 16,216 students. Another record was set with the fall semester of 2001 when enrollment was 17,161.
Today, Boise State University meets the needs of the region through a "distributed campus" that provides courses at a variety of locations using a variety of technologies. The university serves more than 30,000 people each year through its non-credit workshops, short courses and other training programs. Boise State has one of the largest internship programs in the Northwest, providing "real world" experience in business, government and a variety of community organizations. Each year Boise State opens its doors to more than 800,000 people who attend concerts, athletic events, lectures and other entertainment and cultural events. 
The University employs the equivalent of approximately 665 full-time faculty members (549 are full-time) and more than 950 individuals in support positions. Degrees are offered in more than 150 programs, including 35 master's programs and two doctoral programs. The university has more than 60 buildings on its main campus and a center in Canyon County. The university currently has a variety of initiatives underway. A new campus - Boise State West - is being developed in Canyon County. Boise State's first parking structure opened in the summer of 2000 and another structure is slated for construction with completion in 2002.
A new student recreation center will open in January offering students, faculty, staff and alumni modern and expanded workout facilities. The university joined the Western Athletic Conference in July of 2001. As Boise State approaches its 75th anniversary in 2007, the university is well-positioned as a vibrant metropolitan university that is flexible and progressive in providing services to the citizens of the region.