2012 — John William "Bill" Hinkle

John William “Bill” Hinkle is a big believer in teaching beyond the books. As an adjunct instructor at TU, he encourages students to step out of the classroom and into the real world long before graduation. For more than 20 years, eager students have been transformed into successful professionals in the advertising industry under his tutelage. In recognition of his efforts, TU is honoring him with the J. Paschal Twyman Award, a special honor given only to individuals who display exceptional leadership and commitment to the university.

With more than 40 years of advertising experience, Hinkle is a Tulsa legend known for both his practical teaching applications and a passion for writing that dates back to his childhood.

“My dad owned the largest graphic design studio in the southwest for about 25 years,” Hinkle said. “I was always around advertising people, and I knew from the eighth grade on that’s what I was going to do.”

After spending his freshman year of college playing baseball at Oklahoma State University, the Tulsa native setaside baseball for another dream: a TU degree.

“I could not wait to transfer back to TU,” he said. “In fact, I used to come back every Saturday in the fall when I was at OSU just to go to TU football games.”

The TU experience did not disappoint. Hinkle loved his four years on campus, living in the Kappa Sig house and serving as editor of The Collegian newspaper during his junior and senior years. After graduating in 1969, he began working his way up the ladder in advertising.

“I went to work as a gofer at an ad agency making $305 a month … I was lucky to get that,” he said.

Next, Hinkle accepted a copywriting position at Ackerman Ad Agency where he worked until starting his own advertising business in 1975. When he sold it in 1983, J. William Hinkle, Inc., had grown from a staff of two people to 35, but that agency was just the beginning. By 1991, Hinkle had set his sights on a new endeavor and created Hinkle Creative Services, Inc., a creative resource for companies and their marketing departments. His works have garnered him numerous advertising awards from across the country. Beyond his own personal success, Hinkle cares about the future of his TU students.

“This world is moving fast, and technology changes quickly, but nothing will replace the ability to communicate,” he said. “Twenty-two-year-olds who graduate and go into this business must be able to sell themselves and understand the dynamics of the industry, or they’ll never get anywhere.”

While developing his agency, Hinkle offered to teach TU communications students practical application by allowing them to work with professionals on real accounts.

“We put students face-to-face with industry professionals on our advisory board; and when they graduate, they’ve already interned with people in the industry and have a leg up on the competition,” he said.

In addition to real-world experience, TU students also benefit from the Hinkle Creative Center, an informal teaching space in Oliphant Hall sponsored by Hinkle with smart boards, track lights and other mobile features.

“I didn’t want anything that says this is a classroom with students lined up like pigeons,” Hinkle said. “I wanted everybody to feel comfortable and be creative.”

Thanks to Hinkle’s efforts, TU advertising graduates are in high demand in Tulsa and across the nation. Their portfolios reflect his dedication to student success – a trait of the late Twyman that Hinkle personally remembers.

“He was a remarkable, high-spirited, funny person with the best people skills of anyone I ever knew,” Hinkle said. “To me, he embodied The University of Tulsa. I am more than humbled, and the award makes my commitment to TU even greater. I’m living a dream because I get to teach at the university I love.”