MOVING HISTORY FORWARD: Coeur d'Alene's master educator

In the fall of 1939, Perry Christianson became a faculty member at Coeur d'Alene Junior College, which was located on the third floor of the city hall. He taught math and chemistry, plus coached the basketball team.

With the formation of North Idaho Junior College and a new campus, he continued to teach for the next 23 years. He also served as Dean of Men and Dean of the Faculty.

After the death of President Kildow in 1962, Christianson became the fourth president of the college. During his administration, dormitory housing was offered for the first time, enrollment reached a record high of 892, the faculty nearly doubled, and a new library/classroom wing was constructed.

Christianson was also very active in community affairs. He was president of the Junior-Senior P.T.A., the Coeur d'Alene Campfire Council, the Coeur d'Alene Wildfire Confederation, and the Coeur d'Alene Kiwanis Club. He also served two years on the Coeur d'Alene City Council followed by three terms as the mayor of Coeur d'Alene.

In addition to his community activities, he served on the Higher Education Commission of the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools. The North Idaho College gymnasium complex was named in his honor.