Ray Urbina, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Sports and Exercise Science
Office: Bivins Nursing Learning Center 109D
Email: rurbina@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-3601
Professional Profile
Dr. Urbina joined the Sport and Exercise Science Department at West Texas A&M University in the fall of 2026. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance in 2020 and his Master of Science in Health and Human Performance in 2022 from Fort Hays State University. He then earned his Ph.D. in Health, Sport, and Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas in 2026. Dr. Urbina also completed a Graduate Certificate in Educational Statistics and Research Methods from the University of Arkansas.
Teaching and Related Service
Dr. Urbina has experience teaching courses in exercise science and physiology. At the University of Arkansas, he served as an instructor for Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science, where he integrated principles of exercise testing and prescription while helping students develop practical laboratory and professional skills. At Fort Hays State University, he served as a Graduate Assistant and assisted with Exercise Physiology courses and laboratories, supporting student learning through both classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences.
In addition to his teaching experience, Dr. Urbina has experience coaching collegiate athletics. At Fort Hays State University, he worked with the men’s and women’s Cross Country and Track and Field programs under Coach Jason McCullough and alongside Brett Meyer. Through this experience, he gained practical experience in coaching, athlete development, and applying exercise science principles within a competitive athletic setting.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Urbina’s working in the Aging research lab under Dr. Michelle Gray. His research interests focus on skeletal muscle health, dementia, and aging, with an emphasis on understanding how changes in physical function and muscle health may relate to cognitive impairment in older adults. His dissertation examined skeletal muscle health deficits among older adults with cognitive impairment compared to cognitively healthy older adults.
Dr. Urbina has worked on a National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded clinical research study focused on reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk among at-risk adults. His research has examined the relationship between cognitive function and physical performance, as well as the potential role of health coaching in maintaining Alzheimer’s disease risk levels over time. His findings also highlight aging as the greatest risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive impairment.
In addition to his research experience, Dr. Urbina has extensive experience working directly with older adults and clinical populations.
Dr. Urbina played a significant role in the Neuromuscular Wellness Center at Fort Hays State University working with Dr. Charmaine Kandt and Dr. Gregory Kandt. The center focused on helping individuals with neuromuscular conditions, including stroke, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders, improve strength, physical function, and independence. Through close work with these individuals, Dr. Urbina helped develop and implement exercise programs focused on strength training, muscular endurance, walking and standing performance, and other aspects of physical function necessary for maintaining activities of daily living.
Overall, Dr. Urbina’s research and professional interests center on promoting healthy aging, preserving skeletal muscle health and physical function, and helping individuals maintain independence and quality of life across the aging process. He is excited to connect the Human Performance Research Lab within the Sport and Exercise Science Department at West Texas A&M University to the surrounding community through research, education, and opportunities that promote health, performance, and lifelong well-being.