Two University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Faculty Recognized as “55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans”

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is proud to announce that two of its esteemed faculty members, Valerie Williams, Ph.D., MPA, vice provost for academic affairs and faculty development at OU Health Sciences, and Ronald Kingsley, M.D., clinical professor in the College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, have been recognized as honorees at the “55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans” event.

“55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans” is an annual recognition program that honors outstanding individuals over the age of 55 who have made significant contributions to the community and have served as exemplary role models.

This event, which took place at the  state Capitol on Oct. 26, celebrates Oklahomans who are dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the state, shaping the future of their communities, and contributing to a more innovative and inclusive financial future for entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations serving thousands of Oklahomans.

“The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is immensely proud of Dr. Valerie Williams and Dr. Ronald Kingsley for their well-deserved recognition as inspiring Oklahomans,” said Gary E. Raskob, Ph.D., senior vice president and provost. “OU Health Sciences is committed to fostering a culture of excellence in health care, education and research. The acknowledgment of our faculty as ‘55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans’ demonstrates their ongoing dedication to serving the community and making a positive impact on the lives of Oklahomans.”

As vice provost for academic affairs and faculty development, Williams leads academic affairs and academic integrity efforts across the OU Health Sciences campus and its seven colleges. In addition to the Office of Academic Affairs, she and her team oversee the offices of Admissions and Records, Academic Media Resources, Faculty Development, Interdisciplinary Programs and the Robert M. Bird Health Sciences Library.

Williams’ research interests focus on academic career engagement, satisfaction and vitality, and institutional and public policy that focuses on self-determination, inclusion and community building to enhance learning and development. She has served as elected national board chair for two organizations: the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. She has received several national awards, including the Carol J. Bland Phronesis Award from the Group on Faculty Affairs at the Association of American Medical Colleges.

“I am honored to be recognized as one of ‘55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans.’ This award reflects our collaborative efforts at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences. Our aims include making a meaningful impact on education and health care in Oklahoma and engaging with community partners. I'm committed to enhancing learning and development through work with faculty, staff, student and community advocates to advance self-determination, inclusion and community building,” said Williams.

Kingsley serves as both a physician and educator, practicing ophthalmology at the Dean McGee Eye Institute and serving as a clinical professor at the OU College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology. He specializes in medical retina, seeing patients with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and blood clots in the eye.

Prior to joining the Dean McGee Eye Institute in 1983, Kingsley earned his medical degree from Georgetown University. Upon graduation, he completed a research fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, a residency in ophthalmology at Yale University and a medical retina fellowship at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital. Kingsley was awarded the first Edward and Thelma Gaylord Faculty Honor Award in 1988, and in 2000, he was recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America for his contributions to the field of ophthalmology.

“I am humbled to be acknowledged as one of the ‘55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans.’ My passion lies in providing high-quality care and educating the next generation of ophthalmologists. This recognition motivates me to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve and shaping the future of health care in Oklahoma,” Kingsley said.