Lewis-Clark State College Sees Record Enrollment Amid Funding Cuts
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) reported a record enrollment of 4,047 students for the fall semester of 2025, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This announcement came during a presentation by LCSC President Cynthia L. Pemberton to the Idaho State Board of Education on October 25, 2023, at the school’s William’s Conference Center. Pemberton highlighted the college’s focus on specialized programs, particularly in nursing, education, and technical fields, as key drivers of this growth.
Funding Challenges and Future Plans
Despite the positive enrollment news, Pemberton addressed significant challenges facing the institution. The U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly revoked funding for five critical projects aimed at enhancing educational offerings, totaling $3.2 million. These projects included a $1.5 million workforce training center, $700,000 for a physician’s assistants’ lab, and $500,000 designated for nursing student housing. Pemberton noted that construction had already commenced on these initiatives, stating, “There are already hammers swinging,” and emphasized her commitment to securing alternative funding without halting progress.
Pemberton also outlined the college’s plans to change its name from Lewis-Clark State College to “LC State University.” Following the State Board’s approval in April, she intends to introduce legislation in January aiming for a formal name change by spring, aligning with the baseball season. This transition will require accreditation from the Northwest Commission of Universities and Colleges.
Community Engagement and Student Perspectives
During the meeting, LCSC faculty and students interacted with board members, providing insights into their experiences at the college. State Board President Kurt Liebich engaged with students about their plans post-graduation, with all expressing intentions to remain in Idaho. Many of these students are pursuing careers in nursing, education, and technical disciplines and conveyed optimism regarding their future job prospects.
As faculty addressed the board, concerns about the impact of budget cuts surfaced. Many faculty members reported feeling overwhelmed due to increased workloads from the reduction of adjunct teaching positions. Yet, Bryce Kammers, the Writing Program Director, remarked that “our morale is better than it should be,” reflecting a resilient spirit among the staff.
Liebich acknowledged the precarious situation of institutions like LCSC, which operates on tight budgets. He expressed concern about the college’s vulnerability to funding cuts, stating, “They do so much with so little.” The board’s ongoing discussions and future meetings aim to address these challenges while supporting the college’s mission.
The Idaho State Board of Education will reconvene for additional discussions, with the next meeting taking place at LCSC’s William’s Conference Center. This session will be open to the public and available for online viewing.
