PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Dean of the College of Health Sciences at The University of Texas Permian Basin

(June 9, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Dr. Ramona Ann Parker, securing the role as Dean for the College of Health Sciences at The University of Texas Permian Basin.

Dr. Ramona Ann 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 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. 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. Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dr. Parker will join a highly supportive leadership team to drive academic excellence, strengthen community partnerships, and help shape UTPB’s long-term vision, including potential new programs and a planned Health Sciences Complex to support the region’s expanding healthcare needs.

The College of Health Sciences at The University of Texas Permian Basin is positioned at the heart of UTPB’s mission to serve the region’s rapidly growing healthcare needs. The College is home to the School of Nursing, Departments of Social Work, Human Performance, Psychology, Biology, and Community & Family Health, along with the Center for Interprofessional and Experiential Learning and the Midland Health Simulation & Learning Resource Center. Through these academic programs and centers, the College prepares students for impactful careers in healthcare, human performance, and related STEM fields while advancing innovative research and interprofessional collaboration. The College plays a leading role in workforce development, accreditation readiness, and regional health initiatives.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.