About
Ron H. Walker serves as the Thomas E. Oxley Dean of the Mary K. and John T. Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences at The University of Tulsa, a role that caps more than 20 years of dedicated service to his alma mater. A clinical professor and double-alumnus, Walker provides strategic leadership for five departments and 18 academic programs, focusing on fostering innovation in curriculum and high-impact community partnerships. His extensive administrative background includes serving as founding interim dean during the college’s 2023 expansion and as founding director of the university’s Center for Academic Advising.
Walker’s expertise in athletic training is recognized globally: He is an inductee into both the Oklahoma and Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Associations’ halls of fame; serves as the academic consultant for Jordan’s Qusai Initiative through the Crown Prince Foundation; and has served on an international committee for the Board of Certification. An award-winning educator, he has received the UTulsa Outstanding Teacher Award and was named Mr. Homecoming in 2024.
Beyond the dean’s office, Walker remains deeply involved in campus life as an advisory board member for the Tulsa Schweitzer Fellowship and faculty advisor for Global Medical Brigades, embodying the university’s commitment to service and scholarship.
Awards
- Faculty Champion of Global Engagement Award, Center for Global Engagement, The University of Tulsa, 2026
- Mr. Homecoming, The University of Tulsa, 2024
- Dan Libera Service Award, Board of Certification, Inc., 2024
- Faculty of the Year, The University of Tulsa Sorority and Fraternity Life, 2024
- Hall of Fame Inductee, Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2023
- Hall of Fame Inductee, Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2017
- Outstanding Teacher Award, The University of Tulsa, 2016
- Teaching Excellence Award, Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, 2015
- Most Distinguished AT Award, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2015
- Faculty Member of the Year Award, Department of Athletics, The University of Tulsa, 2014
- AT Service Award, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 2012
Education
- Ed.D., Oklahoma State University
- Dissertation: “The Effect of Sex Congruence in Athletic Training Students’ Clinical Education Dyads”
- M.A., The University of Tulsa
- B.S., Athletic Training, The University of Tulsa
Research Interests & Areas of Expertise
- Leadership development
- Youth sports safety policy
- Digital health
- Clinical education
