Casey Orndorff, Ph.D. '13
Casey Orndorff, Ph.D., is a distinguished alumnus of WVU Tech, having graduated in 2013 with a degree in mathematics. His academic journey led him to Louisiana Tech University, where he earned both a master’s degree in mathematics and a doctorate in computational analysis and modeling—an interdisciplinary field combining mathematics, computer science, and biomedical engineering. Under the mentorship of Dr. Weizhong Dai, Dr. Orndorff developed numerical simulations for hyperthermia skin cancer treatment, focusing on optimizing photothermal ablation therapy. His groundbreaking research resulted in two first-author publications, including a featured article in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, as well as an international conference presentation.
During his time at Louisiana Tech, Dr. Orndorff discovered his passion for teaching while serving as a teaching assistant in industrial engineering and mathematics. His ability to make mathematics accessible and foster inclusivity in the classroom set him apart, earning him recognition as a dedicated and innovative educator.
After completing his Ph.D. in 2016, Dr. Orndorff became a Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Louisiana State University – Alexandria, where he coordinated the Bolton Scholars program for gifted high school students. He also co-authored a textbook on visualization techniques for big data analytics in chemometrics. The following year, he joined the University of the Ozarks as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics, where his leadership revitalized undergraduate research and competitive mathematics programs. Under his guidance, the university achieved historic victories in state and regional mathematics competitions, outperforming prestigious institutions.
In 2020, Dr. Orndorff transitioned to a career with the U.S. government as a software developer, earning multiple promotions to Tech Lead. He currently serves as a subject matter expert in mathematics and computer science.
Dr. Orndorff’s impact extends beyond academia into athletics. At WVU Tech, he was a four-year starter and captain of the cross-country team, leading them to their first national championship appearance. His accolades include multiple Academic All-Conference and All-American honors, and he was the university’s first Capital One Academic All-American. Recognized with the Presidential Leadership Citation Award in 2013, Dr. Orndorff exemplified leadership, service, and excellence during his time at WVU Tech.
As a para-athlete, Dr. Orndorff has achieved unprecedented success, earning his place in history as the only athlete to win national titles in every running event from the 100m to the 5000m across T38 classifications. In addition to his nine national titles, which also include the shot put and discus (F38 classification), he holds national records in the 3000m and 5000m events. Dr. Orndorff has also excelled in road racing, becoming the first known athlete with cerebral palsy to break the two-hour barrier in the half marathon in 2018, and holding the world’s best time in the event on four occasions between 2018 and 2022. A six-time champion of the Little Rock Half Marathon’s Physically Challenged Division, he set a course record of 1:42:45. In 2024, he competed at the U.S. Paralympic Trials, earning top-five finishes in the T38 100m and 400m, and was honored as the Senior Athlete of the Year by the Endeavor Games Foundation.
Dr. Orndorff’s contributions to campus life at WVU Tech were equally impressive. He was an active leader, serving in numerous student organizations, including the American Chemical Society, Illuminate, Campus Light, and the Student Activity Board. He held leadership roles in the Student Government Association, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Christian Student Union, Alpha Phi Omega, and Sigma Alpha Pi. His dedication to fostering school spirit extended to his efforts in revitalizing Monty, WVU Tech’s beloved Golden Bear mascot. Working alongside former basketball coach Bob Williams, Dr. Orndorff played a pivotal role in reviving Monty, ensuring its enduring presence as a symbol of pride and community.
Born in Winchester, VA, and raised in High View, WV, Dr. Orndorff’s deep connection to West Virginia and WVU Tech is evident in his unwavering dedication to excellence. He credits the university’s faculty and community for unlocking his potential and shaping his extraordinary career. Whether in the classroom, on the track, or in service to his country, Dr. Orndorff embodies the Golden Bear grit that defines WVU Tech’s legacy.