Idaho Falls resident Lyle Castle, Ph.D., named academic dean at ISU-Idaho Falls

Idaho State University chemistry professor and Idaho Falls resident Lyle Castle, Ph.D., has been named dean of academic programs for ISU-Idaho Falls, at the Idaho Falls Center for Higher Education at University Place. Castle previously had been interim director.

“The decision to name Dr. Castle as dean resulted from extensive dialog and consultation with faculty, staff, and administration, and other stakeholders associated with ISU-Idaho Falls” said Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D., ISU provost and vice president for academic affairs. 

“The students, faculty and staff at Idaho State University—Idaho Falls will be well served by this outstanding professional as he continues working to bring growth, direction and sound leadership to higher education in the Upper Snake River Valley,” said Wharton.

Castle, who has lived in Idaho Falls for 10 years, holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of South Florida. He joined Idaho State University’s chemistry faculty in 1994. Since then, he has taught the majority of his classes at University Place, where ISU has approximately 2,400 students.

“I’m very excited about the appointment because for many years, while teaching in Idaho Falls, I've seen the potential,” said Castle. “There is natural synergy with the Idaho National Laboratory, the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and the growing health care sector in addition to the beautiful location along the banks of the Snake River.”

Castle’s area of research is in the synthesis of novel hetrocyclic chemical compounds for components of solar energy devices. He has authored numerous publications in peer reviewed journals, and is editor of the Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry.

His wife, Joanne, also holds a Ph.D. in chemistry, and is a professor at BYU – Idaho in Rexburg. Their three children attend Idaho Falls schools. Their eldest son will attend Idaho State University in the fall.