Knox, Howell take new posts at ISU in Idaho Falls

Dr. John Knox will serve as dean of academic programs for Idaho State University programs in Idaho Falls, announced Dr. Robert Wharton, ISU vice president of academic affairs.

Knox has been at ISU for more than 20 years. He served the last two years as interim dean for the ISU Graduate School. Prior to that, Knox was chair of the physics department for six years.

In his new role, Knox will have primary responsibility for program enhancement and development of ISU academic offerings in the Idaho Falls area. He will report directly to ISU's academic vice president. Knox will work closely with sister institutions, the community, the Idaho National Laboratory, and the academic deans of ISU's other colleges to develop programs that will respond to constituent needs and move ISU toward becoming a preeminent research university, Wharton said. Additionally, Knox will assist with the coordination of services such as enrollment planning, university advancement, information technology, and college support staff functions.

Ann Howell will serve as assistant dean of enrollment and student services, ISU-Idaho Falls. Howell will continue to report to the ISU dean of enrollment planning and be accountable for daily operations and management of the ISU enrollment and student services offices at University Place in Idaho Falls. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that students receive advising and other support services important for academic success. This includes the coordination and development of course scheduling, room assignments, the monitoring of enrollments to meet demand, and the development of recruitment, marketing, and retention programming. Howell will also work closely with Knox, the University of Idaho, and Eastern Idaho Technical College to assist with strategic planning for program enhancement and development.

Together, Howell and Knox will continue ISU's work with the Local Operations Committee and the Idaho Falls Advisory Council.

Almost 2,600 ISU students, including more than 220 graduate students, attended classes last year at ISU's Center for Higher Education at University Place in Idaho Falls, where students can choose from 28 complete ISU degree programs, including five master's and four doctoral programs. ISU's partnership with the University of Idaho makes more than 50 complete degree programs available in Idaho Falls. Fields of study include education, engineering, business, health professions, pharmacy, interdisciplinary studies, technology and several arts and sciences disciplines. ISU is also playing a major role in the development of the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) with the INL.