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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Ron Balmer

Administrator – Assisted Living

Ron leads our assisted living department with great technical skill having been a licensed nurse for over 30 years. He earned a degree in Management from OSU and is a retired Combat Medic Instructor (U.S. Armed Forces). Ron has served previously as our Director of Nursing and integrating this clinical side of resident care comes naturally to him. He is thankful for the opportunity to work with the Assisted Living team to provide quality care and services to 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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Aaron Ivy

Administrator - Health Center

Aaron has been in Long Term Care industry for nearly 25 years. He recently moved to Oklahoma from Ohio and joined the University Village team August of 2024. Aaron served in the United States Navy in the early 1990’s and graduated from P.T. Assistant school in 1997. In 2014, He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Findlay (Ohio,) and became a Nursing Home Administrator in 2018. Aaron and his wife moved to Tulsa to be closer to their grandchildren and enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and is an avid weekend camper.

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