History of Boise State University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 10, 2024

Boise State University (BSU) is a public research university located in Boise, Idaho. Established in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, it transitioned to an independent junior college in 1934. BSU began offering bachelor's and master's degrees in 1965 and became a public institution in 1969. Today, Boise State is known for its diverse academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus community.

1932: Boise State University Founded

Boise State University (BSU) was founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church.

1934: BSU Becomes Independent Junior College

In 1934, Boise State University became an independent junior college.

1958: BSU Football National Championship

The Boise State football team, coached by Lyle Smith, won the national championship in 1958.

1965: BSU Begins Awarding Higher Degrees

Beginning in 1965, Boise State University started awarding baccalaureate and master's degrees.

1969: BSU Becomes Public Institution

Boise State University transitioned to a public institution in 1969.

1969: Groundbreaking for Albertsons Stadium

Ground was broken for Albertsons Stadium after the 1969 football season.

September 1970: Albertsons Stadium Opens

Albertsons Stadium opened in September 1970.

1970: BSU Joins NCAA

Boise State College joined the NCAA in 1970.

1971: Western Writers Series Launched

Boise State University began publishing the Western Writers Series in 1971.

1974: BSU Becomes Idaho's Third State University

In 1974, Boise State University officially became Idaho's third state university.

1975: Albertsons Stadium Expansion

Albertsons Stadium underwent an expansion in 1975.

1978: BSU Football Moves to Division I-AA

Boise State University's football program moved up to Division I-AA in 1978.

February 1980: Pavilion Construction Begins

Construction of the Boise State University Pavilion (now ExtraMile Arena) began in February 1980.

May 1982: ExtraMile Arena Opens

ExtraMile Arena (formerly Boise State University Pavilion) opened in May 1982.

1983: ExtraMile Arena Hosts NCAA Tournament

ExtraMile Arena hosted rounds one and two of the NCAA basketball tournament in 1983.

April 1984: Morrison Center Opens

The Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts opened in April 1984.

1986: "The Blue" Turf Debuts

Boise State University introduced "The Blue" turf, the first non-green football field in the country, in 1986.

1994: Albertsons Stadium Hosts Track and Field Championships

Albertsons Stadium hosted the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships in 1994.

1996: BSU Football Moves to Division I-A

Boise State University's football program moved up to Division I-A in 1996.

1997: Albertsons Stadium Hosts Track and Field Championships, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Begins

Albertsons Stadium hosted the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships and became home to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 1997.

1997: Albertsons Stadium Expansion

Albertsons Stadium underwent another expansion in 1997.

1999: Albertsons Stadium Hosts Track and Field Championships

Albertsons Stadium hosted the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships in 1999.

2001: BSU Joins WAC

Boise State University joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2001.

2002: ExtraMile Arena Hosts NCAA Women's Tournament

ExtraMile Arena hosted the third and fourth rounds of the NCAA women's tournament in 2002.

June 2004: Pavilion Renamed Taco Bell Arena

The Boise State University Pavilion was renamed Taco Bell Arena in June 2004.

2009: ExtraMile Arena Hosts NCAA Tournament

ExtraMile Arena hosted rounds one and two of the NCAA basketball tournament in 2009.

2010: BSU Alumni Reach 75,000

By 2010, Boise State University had over 75,000 living alumni.

2011: BSU Joins Mountain West Conference

Boise State University joined the Mountain West Conference in 2011.

2015: BSU Awards Almost 4000 Diplomas

During the 2015-2016 school year, Boise State University awarded diplomas to 3,916 graduates.

2016: BSU Partners with Harvard Business School

Boise State University partnered with Harvard Business School Online to offer business fundamentals programs in 2016.

2016: BSU Fall Enrollment

Boise State University's fall enrollment in 2016 was 23,886 students, with approximately 76 percent being Idaho residents.

2016: BSU Awards Almost 4000 Diplomas

During the 2015-2016 school year, Boise State University awarded diplomas to 3,916 graduates.

2019: Taco Bell Arena Renamed ExtraMile Arena

Taco Bell Arena was renamed ExtraMile Arena in 2019.

2019: BSU Home Record on "The Blue"

Through 2019, Boise State's home record on "The Blue" turf was 189-39.

2020: Micron Center for Materials Research Opens

The Micron Center for Materials Research at Boise State University was completed in 2020.

2022: BSU Research Funding

In 2022, Boise State University received $48 million in research and development funding, ranking 217th nationally.

2023: BSU Enrollment

Boise State University's enrollment for the 2023-24 year was 26,727 students.

2023: Alpha Kappa Lambda Suspended

The fraternity Alpha Kappa Lambda was suspended at Boise State University in 2023 due to hazing and alcohol abuse.

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