Meet Lonny J. Ashworth
Professor Emeritus, Department of Respiratory Care, Boise State University
College of Health Sciences
Class of ‘76
College of Arts and Sciences
Class of ‘77
Lonny Ashworth has devoted his career to advancing respiratory care education and practice in Idaho and around the world. As the former chair of Boise State University’s Department of Respiratory Care, Ashworth taught for 45 years, mentoring generations of students who now serve in hospitals and clinics across the country. He continues to shape the program as a member of the College of Health Sciences Respiratory Care advisory board.
A proud Bronco, Ashworth earned both an associate degree in respiratory care and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boise State before completing a master’s degree in education at The College of Idaho.
His career reflects a commitment to academic excellence, innovation in teaching and global collaboration. In 2012, he was named a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care, recognizing his leadership in the profession. He received the 2015 Koga Medal for promoting the globalization of quality respiratory care and Boise State’s Foundation Scholar Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2016.
Ashworth’s impact extends far beyond Boise. Since 1995, he has presented more than 280 workshops in Japan on mechanical ventilation of adult patients and has mentored students in dozens of international research presentations. He’s been a donor to the university since 1988, supporting two endowed scholarships for respiratory care students. In 2022, Boise State honored his legacy by naming the department’s Mechanical Ventilation Lab after him.
Ashworth and his wife, Vicki ‘78, have been married for 50 years. Together they celebrate a family of three children — Troy, Cheryl and Kerri ‘05 — and 11 grandchildren.