“I am honored to join the UTPB community."
The University of Texas Permian Basin is pleased to announce that Dr. Ramona Ann Parker has been named the new Dean of the College of Health Sciences. Bringing extensive experience in both academic and administrative leadership, Dr. Parker will play a key role in advancing UTPB’s healthcare programs and strengthening the University’s impact across the Permian Basin.
Dr. Parker brings more than 18 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in course design, curriculum development, and program implementation. While serving as Associate Vice President and Executive Dean at Tarleton State University, she helped develop new healthcare programs and led efforts that improved student pass rates across multiple areas.
Dr. Parker holds degrees in nursing, education, and leadership, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a Ph.D. in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, along with graduate degrees from University of the Incarnate Word and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Her academic career spans faculty and clinical roles across nursing and health professions education, including service as a professor, clinical instructor, and clinical preceptor, as well as leadership in simulation-based and experiential learning environments. This background reflects a strong blend of clinical practice, teaching, and academic leadership that has supported the development of future healthcare professionals. She is also a registered nurse with extensive clinical experience in neonatal, pediatric, maternal-child, and intensive care settings, where she provided direct patient care and served in charge nurse and preceptor roles while contributing to clinical practice and team development.
“Dr. Parker brings a significant amount of experience across nearly every area of healthcare education, from medical schools to highly successful nursing and allied health programs,” Dr. Sandra Woodley, UTPB President, said. “Her leadership in launching innovative healthcare programs aligns perfectly with UTPB’s mission to address the critical workforce shortages facing the Permian Basin and West Texas. She understands how important it is to build strong partnerships with our medical school partners, healthcare systems, and community organizations to create clear pathways for students. Her vision and experience will help us develop innovative healthcare programs aimed at increasing the number of highly qualified graduates to meet our region’s growing demand.”
Through initiatives like Impact Healthcare scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities in the SIM Lab, and partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, UTPB continues to invest in the future of healthcare education in the region. Dr. Parker looks forward to building on that momentum and expanding opportunities for future healthcare professionals.
“I am honored to join the UTPB community and look forward to advancing healthcare, health professions education, and community impact through collaboration and shared purpose,” Dr. Parker said. “By listening, learning, and working together, we will expand access, strengthen programs, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.”
“During the search process, Dr. Parker consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and student success,” said Dr. Raj Dakshinamurthy, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her experience supporting accreditation, curriculum development, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration will help strengthen the College of Health Sciences as we continue expanding opportunities for our students. I am confident her leadership will impact our faculty, students, and the communities we serve across the Permian Basin.”
Dr. Parker will officially begin her role on June 1. Please join us in welcoming her to the UTPB family. Falcons up!
Dr. Parker brings more than 18 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in course design, curriculum development, and program implementation. While serving as Associate Vice President and Executive Dean at Tarleton State University, she helped develop new healthcare programs and led efforts that improved student pass rates across multiple areas.
Dr. Parker holds degrees in nursing, education, and leadership, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a Ph.D. in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, along with graduate degrees from University of the Incarnate Word and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Her academic career spans faculty and clinical roles across nursing and health professions education, including service as a professor, clinical instructor, and clinical preceptor, as well as leadership in simulation-based and experiential learning environments. This background reflects a strong blend of clinical practice, teaching, and academic leadership that has supported the development of future healthcare professionals. She is also a registered nurse with extensive clinical experience in neonatal, pediatric, maternal-child, and intensive care settings, where she provided direct patient care and served in charge nurse and preceptor roles while contributing to clinical practice and team development.
“Dr. Parker brings a significant amount of experience across nearly every area of healthcare education, from medical schools to highly successful nursing and allied health programs,” Dr. Sandra Woodley, UTPB President, said. “Her leadership in launching innovative healthcare programs aligns perfectly with UTPB’s mission to address the critical workforce shortages facing the Permian Basin and West Texas. She understands how important it is to build strong partnerships with our medical school partners, healthcare systems, and community organizations to create clear pathways for students. Her vision and experience will help us develop innovative healthcare programs aimed at increasing the number of highly qualified graduates to meet our region’s growing demand.”
Through initiatives like Impact Healthcare scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities in the SIM Lab, and partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, UTPB continues to invest in the future of healthcare education in the region. Dr. Parker looks forward to building on that momentum and expanding opportunities for future healthcare professionals.
“I am honored to join the UTPB community and look forward to advancing healthcare, health professions education, and community impact through collaboration and shared purpose,” Dr. Parker said. “By listening, learning, and working together, we will expand access, strengthen programs, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.”
“During the search process, Dr. Parker consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and student success,” said Dr. Raj Dakshinamurthy, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her experience supporting accreditation, curriculum development, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration will help strengthen the College of Health Sciences as we continue expanding opportunities for our students. I am confident her leadership will impact our faculty, students, and the communities we serve across the Permian Basin.”
Dr. Parker will officially begin her role on June 1. Please join us in welcoming her to the UTPB family. Falcons up!
