A catalyst for non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes and a method for making and using the same is disclosed. The catalyst can include vanadium oxide derived from vanadyl oxalate. More particularly the catalyst is prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a transition alumina support with an aqueous solution comprising a vanadium carboxylate material solubilized therein; (b) heating the contacted alumina support to remove the water and produce a catalyst precursor material in solid form; and (c) heating the solid catalyst precursor material in the presence of an oxidizing source at a temperature of 500 to 800° C. to produce an alumina supported catalytic material comprising vanadium oxide. The catalyst can be further modified with an alkali metal oxide like potassium oxide, the precursor thereof being introduced with the impregnation solution.