Every year, The University of Tulsa recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member with the title of Mr. or Ms. Homecoming, and in the case of this year’s honoree, his excellence extends far beyond his job requirements. Currently the associate dean for administration in the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, a clinical professor of athletic training, and the interim executive director of the Office of Career Development and Professional Engagement (CaneCareers), Ron Walker has 20 years of dedicated experience.
For all he’s given, Walker (B.S. ’95, M.A. ’96) said he’s gotten so much more in return. “This place just keeps you going,” he said. “There are so many aspects of the things I have been able to do here – and I have done a lot – but I have received exponentially more than I have put in.”
Walker arrived on campus in the fall of 1991. He joined Lambda Chi Alpha and went on to meet his wife, Dawn (B.A. ’96), which he gushes is the best gift TU ever gave him. For the next two decades, Walker would not stray far, returning full time in 2005 to serve as a visiting clinical assistant professor of athletic training and a staff athletic trainer for the Department of Athletics. During his time at UTulsa, Walker has also served as founding director of the master of athletic training graduate program, founding director for the Center for Academic Advising, and interim dean of Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences.,
Beyond his official capacity, Walker’s love for his alma mater is evident in his frequent attendance at athletic contests and involvement with TU Alumni events, including chairing his 25-year reunion. He is a member of the Tulsa chapter of the TU Alumni Association and a committee member for TU Homecoming, TU Uncorked, and TU Cane Crawl. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for the Tulsa Letterwinners’ Association. He has generously supported initiatives across campus and has endowed a scholarship for master’s students in the highly regarded athletic training program.
Above all, Walker’s devotion to student success is at the heart of his work. “I love getting to know our students and supporting them throughout their college journey,” he said. “From before their first class to hands-on learning to finding the right job or graduate program, I am lucky enough to be involved every step of the way.” In recent years, Walker has led incoming undergraduates to Panama and Mexico for a week-long experience called JumpstartTU. He serves as the faculty adviser for the Interfraternity Council and Global Brigades and is very involved in First Year Experience initiatives. In 2016, he received the Outstanding Teacher Award, the university’s highest faculty honor.
“Whether in the classroom or on a study abroad trip, it is all about people working and learning together and respecting each other. It’s the feeling of community, and that’s what matters more than anything. That’s the common thread,” he said.
When asked to reflect on the years he has spent at UTulsa, Walker offered a thoughtful reply: “When you do what you love, in a place that you love, with people you love … amazing things happen.”