Albertson College of Idaho

Albertson College of Idaho is a liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 800 students located in Caldwell, Idaho.

History

Albertson College of Idaho was founded in 1891 by Dr. Rev. William Judson Boone with the support of the Wood River Presbytery. It first opened its doors to students on October 7, 1891. In 1893, it was incorporated under the laws of the State of Idaho and placed in the hands of a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Dr. Boone served as president of the College for 45 years until his death in 1936.

In 1991, the college changed its name to Albertson College of Idaho to honor alumnus and long-time donor Joe Albertson and his wife Kathryn. The name change remains controversial among many alumni.

Albertson College has faced financial challenges in recent years, largely believed on the campus to be caused by former President Kevin Learned. During the summer of 2003, Learned resigned and was replaced by Robert Hoover, who had recently left the University of Idaho.

In late 2002, the college announced that it would be reducing tuition by 30 percent for students entering during the fall 2003 semester in order to increase enrollment.

Academics

The college offers 27 majors and 36 minors in its baccalaureate degree program.

The academic calendar is intended to help in the realization of the College's educational goals by creating a framework within which both experimental and conventional approaches to education can take place. During the fall and spring terms, most of the traditional courses are offered. Separating these two terms is the winter session, stressing experimentation, innovation, creative teaching, and imaginative learning. Some teachers use the tutorial method; some use the seminar format; others adopt independent research methods. Even for those faculty who choose a traditional format, the emphasis is on the heuristic nature of scholarship.

The College has been accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges since 1922. Its teacher education program has been approved by the Idaho State Department of Education since 1913, and its graduates are eligible for certification in all states participating in the Interstate Certification Compact. The College is accepted by, and the alumnae are eligible for, membership in the American Association of University of Women (AAUW).

Academic Departments

Special Academic Programs

Athletics

Albertson sponsors intercollegiate athletic competition for men and women. Men participate in basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, long distance running, swimming and skiing. Women compete in basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, softball, skiing, long distance running, swimming and tennis.

Noteworthy Alumni

Albertson alumni include two former governors, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, an Academy Award-winning musician, the co-discoverer of vitamin B-12, and the founder of Albertson's Inc. -- including former Idaho governor Robert E. Smylie, and former lieutenant governor and current congressman C.L. "Butch" Otter.

Noteworthy Faculty

Howard Berger, History

George Wolfe, Political Science

External links

The Albertson College of Idaho website

Universities and colleges in Idaho | Liberal arts colleges

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