Presidents of Ricks College & BYU-Idaho  

Jacob Spori served concurrently on the faculty and as the first principal from 1888 to 1891.
Tuition for the school term was set at $4 for intermediate students, $3 for preparatory students, and $2 for primary students.

Principal Spori had used his own resources to aid the academy to such an extent that he was in debt. He resigned on July 23, 1891, so he could put his “house in order.”

Because of an expanding Latter-day Saint population, Bannock Stake was divided on this day. The new stake, encompassing Fremont County, was given the name of Fremont Stake. The academy subsequently changed its name to Fremont Stake Academy.

Douglas M. Todd took his place.

Ezra C. Dalby replaced Principal Todd as principal of Fremont Stake Academy.

The First Presidency suggested that the school be named the Ricks Academy in honor of the last stake President Thomas E. Ricks.

Principal Dalby was let go as principal, as community members and the superintendent felt he was too liberal.

The announcement was made by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Board of Trustees of Ricks College that Ricks College would change from a two-year junior college status to a four-year institution.

Ricks College officially became Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Accreditation at the baccalaureate level was gained through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Commission also reaffirmed accreditation at the associate level.