Ronald Irving has been a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Washington since 1981, prior to which he held postdoctoral positions at Brandeis University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, San Diego. He became chair of the University of Washington's mathematics department in 2001, Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences in 2002, and Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences in 2006. In 2003, Irving joined the Board of Governors of the Astrophysical Research Consortium and continues to serve as the secretary-treasurer of the consortium. Since 2010, he has been a member of the external board of the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, one of Washington's state museums and a part of the University of Washington. Irving is a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society.