Billy Ray Laxton was named Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Training in July 2019.
He joined the athletic training staff as the new head athletic trainer in May 2018.
Laxton served as outreach coordinator at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas since 2011. Prior to Scott and White, he served as head athletic trainer and assistant professor of athletic training at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.
Before his arrival at UMHB, Laxton worked in the clinical setting (Lubbock Sports Rehab - 1989-90) and the high school setting (John Tyler 1990-2001). While at John Tyler he helped the Lions to a football state championship in 1994 and a state appearance in 2000.
His other athletic training experiences include professional rodeo, Justin Healer Sports Medicine Team and the 1996 Olympics, Chief Athletic Trainer — Willis Park.
Laxton has served on several committees and boards including the East Texas Athletic Trainers Association, Southwest Athletic Trainers Association and Texas State Athletic Trainers Association. He is also a counsel member of the Ethics Committee of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
Laxton is a graduate of Texas Tech University (1989) with a degree in physical education while he later obtained a master's degree (2000) from University of Texas-Tyler.
He and his wife Joanna have two sons, Sam and John.
