LEWISTON, ID — A proposal to change the name of Lewis-Clark State College will not move forward this legislative session after failing to receive a hearing in the Idaho House.

According to the college, Senate Bill 1234 had cleared the Idaho Senate with unanimous support but remained in the House Education Committee without a hearing, effectively halting its progress for the year.

College officials said the proposal had broad backing, including unanimous support from the Idaho State Board of Education, a “do pass” recommendation from the Senate Education Committee, and written endorsements from other higher education institutions and community leaders.

LC State President Cynthia Pemberton said in a campus message that while the outcome is disappointing, the process helped build awareness about the college’s role and mission.

The proposed name change was intended to address ongoing confusion about the school’s designation. Administrators say many prospective students mistakenly believe LC State is a two-year institution due to its name, despite offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs.

That confusion, the college said, can lead students to pursue degrees online or out of state, potentially impacting Idaho’s workforce pipeline in areas such as nursing and education.

School leaders also emphasized that the proposed change would not have required additional state funding or altered the institution’s mission, which is set by the Idaho State Board of Education.

Officials noted that similar naming changes have occurred across the country and within Idaho, including past transitions by institutions such as Boise State University and Idaho State University.

Despite the setback, Pemberton said the effort is not over, and the proposal is expected to return in a future legislative session.

In the meantime, the college plans to continue focusing on student recruitment, retention, and academic programs while preparing for the next steps in the name change effort.