When Ron arrived in Hollis, Westview Boys' Home was a mature nonprofit with 43 years of service to hundreds of at-risk youth. Times were changing; one donor generation was finishing its legacy and new generations were imagining theirs. Childcare in Oklahoma—and nationally—scrambled to meet realigned priorities. Ron sought allies for needed change. Alongside Westview staff, Ron reshaped community culture and developed an evidence-based program. Using federal grants, he partnered with Westview’s farmer to fund the farm’s shift to subsurface irrigation, bringing financial and ecological sustainability. Westview’s board collaborated with Ron to increase caregiver tenure five-fold and bring equity to Westview’s compensation structure. Empowered by visionary donors, he built endowment and led restoration of an aging campus, making Westview’s homes among the most beautiful in Harmon County. Ron’s team has expanded Westview’s efforts to the preventative: Westview Family Services in Oklahoma City counsels with struggling families. And, for Westview alumni and other young men, Westview Transitions is building a 2.2-million-dollar independent living facility in Weatherford to improve the possibilities for sustainable lifestyles in our challenging world. Ron sees God’s hand in all of this.

Teaches BIBM 635 - Engaging Adolescents in Christian Formation; BIBM 673 - Ministry with Children and Families; BIBM 753 - Contextual Analysis in Practice

Discernment is a peer-reviewed e-journal presenting essays from scholar-practitioners whose work engages thoughtful theology and well-informed ministerial practice.