Idaho State University is a public research university founded in 1901 in Pocatello, the "Gateway to the Northwest." With about 12,000 students, ISU serves as eastern Idaho's flagship university and is known for its health science programs (pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing), nuclear engineering, and education. The campus is located near the Portneuf River and within easy reach of outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains. The Bengals compete in the Big Sky Conference.