Prescott resident and founding Yavapai College faculty member Lyle Frank Minkler passed away in August 2022, but his legacy is still felt at the institution today.

A professor of chemistry, engineering, and physics, Dr. Minkler started at Yavapai College in 1969, the year of its founding. His tireless work in those early years of the school formed the bedrock of Yavapai College’s science programs.

Born in Cherokee, Iowa in 1930, Minkler earned a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa. He later moved to San Diego where he obtained a Master of Arts in Physical Science at San Diego State University. He then received his Doctor of Education in Physics from Arizona State University in 1979.

At Yavapai College, Dr. Minkler was known not just for his hands-on expertise in the sciences, but also for his broad vision: he required his students to take an English writing class so that they could become excellent technical writers in the fields of science and mathematics.

Dr. Minkler served as division chair for eight years, Faculty President for one year, and served on the Senate and Compensation Committee for several years. He was also President of the Arizona American Associates of Physics Teachers for one year and was appointed by five Arizona Governors to serve on the Arizona Solar Energy Commission and Solar Advisory Council.

“Yavapai College will always be grateful to the contributions Professor Minkler made to the science program from the beginning,” said Yavapai College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Ryan.

“He was a champion of student success and academic standards ensuring that his students were well prepared to go out and advanced in the fields of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering. As an emeritus faculty member, a plaque with his name is engraved on the wall of honor for such distinguished faculty.”

Dr. Minkler worked at Yavapai College for 27 years, retiring in 1996. An engraved brick recalling his service to the college rests on the Faculty Emeritus Wall in Building 19 of the Prescott campus