COEUR D’ALENE, ID – Lewis-Clark State College is strengthening its footprint in North Idaho by consolidating operations and expanding academic programs at the Bob and Leona DeArmond College and University Center in Coeur d’Alene.

The move coincides with North Idaho College’s student services hub, Cardinal Central, relocating to the same facility, reinforcing a decades-long collaboration between the two institutions. LC State officials say concentrating resources at DeArmond will improve efficiency and enhance educational support for students.

“For over 40 years, LC State and NIC have worked together to meet the educational needs of this region,” said LC State President Cynthia Pemberton. “Centralizing our efforts in the DeArmond Center allows us to strengthen that partnership and better serve students.”

As part of its expanded focus, LC State is launching new programs that align with workforce demands across northern Idaho. This includes recently introduced master’s degrees in nursing and cyberaccounting, both designed with flexibility for working professionals, and a new bachelor’s degree in health studies.

The expansion is a direct response to labor trends identified by the Idaho Department of Labor, which projects that most of the region’s fastest-growing occupations over the next decade will be in the healthcare sector. In addition to its own program development, LC State is broadening its collaborations with NIC and other institutions to support healthcare fields like nursing, radiographic science, physician assistant training, paramedic science, and healthcare management.

“Our partnerships in allied health education are expanding to meet critical needs in the community,” said Krista Harwick, interim dean of the School of Professional Studies. “We’re offering new pathways for NIC students to continue their education in fields that are vital to our region.”

LC State has offered bachelor’s degrees in partnership with NIC since 1982, longer than any other public college or university in the area. Officials say the college remains committed to evolving with the region while maintaining its long-standing service to North Idaho.

A complete list of LC State degree programs is available at www.lcsc.edu/degrees.