Christopher Ray

Background

About Christopher Ray

Dr. Christopher Ray, PhD, serves as the Deputy Provost for the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Leading the provost’s executive team, he oversees all academic colleges, schools, and departments, ensuring high-quality education, research, and service. Dr. Ray offers support in university curricula, instruction, student services, academic resources, and faculty affairs.Previously, at Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Dr. Ray was the dean of the College of Health Sciences. There, he managed five departments, two schools, and five on-site clinics across three campuses. Under his leadership, TWU’s School of Occupational Therapy became the top-ranked program in Texas and 17th nationally in 2020, as per U.S. News and World Report. He secured a $2 million donation for the program and established an endowed directorship.Dr. Ray expanded research and clinical learning at TWU, launching innovative programs in occupational therapy, nutrition, and public health. He also secured $100 million in legislative funding for a new health sciences building, set to open in fall 2025.Earlier, at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Dr. Ray served as associate dean for research in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. He directed UTA’s Postural Control Laboratory and Center for Health Living and Longevity, increasing research funding from $3 million to $18 million in 18 months. He oversaw program approvals with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.In 2018, Dr. Ray participated in the Texas Governor’s Executive Development Program. He received nominations for the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award in 2011 and 2014, and the UTA President’s Award for Excellence in Distance Education Teaching in 2011. He is an active member of professional associations and reviews for the National Institutes of Health.Dr. Ray earned his PhD in movement studies from the University of Georgia and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Atlanta.