About Us

For 50 years, University Village has been one of the leading senior living communities in Tulsa. Our excellent reputation is a result of a professional and caring staff and a legacy of committed ownership. University Village is owned by a group of local, Christian business leaders who understand the responsibility they have in shepherding the community through its next 50 years and beyond in service to Tulsa seniors and their families.

University Village is locally owned and managed and key staff members have been in place longer than any other lifecare community in Tulsa. We believe the longevity of our staff demonstrates the excellent working environment of “servant leaders” we seek to employ at University Village. We realize today’s senior has an increasing number of housing options. Therefore, everything we do, from the Executive Director to on-site staff, is to make certain our residents’ needs are met with a warm and compassionate service.

Our Mission

It is our mission that all who enter our retirement community feel the love, strength, and blessing of a safe, happy, healthy, Christian home.

Our Team

Vanessa Neal

Executive Director

Vanessa Neal has been with University Village for over 35 years now. Starting as part of the wait staff at 15, Vanessa continued to serve at UV in various roles, from Social Services Manager to Health Center Administrator to CEO and to Executive Director, which is the position she still holds. Vanessa brings a lot of professionalism and credibility to her role with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Counselor. Her niche is in geriatrics and she says she is the one "blessed by her experience of serving the seniors at UV."

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John Sames

Controller

John Sames comes from a background of Accounting and Business Development. Graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting and a Master's of Business Administration from both NSU and OCU, John has had a varied experience of employment leading up to working at University Village. He has worked in various departments and administrative positions for Tulsa companies and is the owner of Encore Marketing Group. He has been the Controller and Director of IT at UV for over 7 years.

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Annette Arington

Resident Services

Annette Arrington is a retired teacher of 32 years with a Master's Degree in Special Education. She loves working with this generation and feels like she is right where she belongs. Annette first joined UV as the Cottage Concierge and is now serving as the Resident Services Manager for University Village. Annette is a native Tulsan and loves reading, gardening, and family time.

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Pamela Boone, NHA

Administrator – Assisted Living

Pam’s passion is serving others by helping them to live life to the fullest. She has been part of the healthcare industry for more than 16 years. Pam joined the University Village team in November 2021. Her accomplishments include a Master’s Degree in Human Relations through the University of Oklahoma in 2006 and attending Administrator University in 2019. Pam says what she loves about being part of University Village is the sense of “home” felt by both staff and residents. Although UV is a big community, it feels very intimate. And Pam is honored to be part of creating this inviting, caring atmosphere for our residents.

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Trevor Gray

Leasing Consultant

Trevor Gray has been with University Village since April of 2019. Prior to that he was working with the Parent Management Company for over 20 years. A graduate from Oklahoma University with a degree in Information Systems, he has a diverse background including Accounting, Business Development, IT and Sales. The most satisfying part of his job seeing residents move into University Village knowing that they will be cared for and safe.

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Merle Newton

Chaplain

Merle Newton has been the Chaplain at University Village since 1999. Born and raised in Tulsa, Merle graduated from East Central and was an Eagle Scout. He went on to graduate from Ozark Christian College with two degrees and thus began his experience in ministering, caring and encouraging others through various organizations. Merle has served as a minister, hospice chaplain, Scoutmaster and been on committees within this field for decades. He says he "cherishes each opportunity he spends with the residents and employees at UV."

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Wynter Hill-Ferrell

Human Resources Director

Bio coming soon.

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Tony Sanzalone

Dining Services Manager

Tony has over 25 years of Food and Beverage experience. He loves the satisfaction of bringing a team together to take care of our residents through great food and service. He feels “blessed to be working here at UV

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