Learn From These Influential Oklahomans

Alex Adwan
Tulsa World EditorAs a life-long journalist, he influenced state education and integration in the state of Oklahoma.

Betty Boyd
Queen of Tulsa TVTulsa's unlikely TV personality and state legislator who captured the hearts of many.

Bob Barry, Sr.
SportscasterFor half a century, his voice was synonymous with Oklahoma football.

Bob McCormack
Legendary Tulsa PhotographerAn influential photographer who proudly served the Tulsa community for many years at The Tulsa World, Bob McCormack's imagery graced the covers of countless magazines and captured timeless moments with many of his era's greatest celebrities.

Clayton Vaughn
Media NewsAs a widely-respected news broadcaster, he was the face of KOTV news three separate times over nearly half a century.

Danny Williams
Oklahoma Radio & TV LegendListen to the oral history of Danny Williams, member of the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame who dominated the airwaves for seven decades.

Dick Schmitz
Broadcaster, Commercial Radio ProducerGenerations of Tulsans recognize his legendary voice on the radio airwaves.

Ed Dumit
BroadcastingMany years of teaching and broadcasting touched the many hearts and ears of Tulsans.

Ed Taylor
Communications PioneerA pioneer in the satellite communication business and philanthropist for many good causes.

Frosty Troy
Journalist and EditorMember of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and nationally-acclaimed advocate for public education.

JV Haney
Coach, Legendary Oklahoma High School Sports BroadcasterJV Haney, a coach renowned for his unwavering positivity and encouragement, became the face and voice of high school sports in Oklahoma, inspiring players, coaches, parents, and fans alike throughout his legendary 30+ years in Oklahoma high school sports broadcasting.

James C. Leake
Oklahoma Television and Radio PioneerIn this 1998 interview, James C. Leake shares the journey he and his family faced when pioneering modern broadcast television in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Jane Jayroe Gamble
Miss AmericaShe overcame her fears and shyness to win Miss America 1967, launching her career in media and government.

Jenkin Jones Jr.
The Tulsa TribuneThrough the headlines of the Tulsa Tribune, the Jones family has been a part of local and national history.

Jim Goodwin
Owner of The Oklahoma Eagle Newspaper, Lawyer, Healthcare LeaderJames "Jim" Osby Goodwin is the owner of The Oklahoma Eagle, Tulsa's only black-owned newspaper, a prominent lawyer who argued cases for free speech and reparations for the 1921 Race Massacre, and served on the Tulsa City-County Board of Health for over 50 years.

Jimmy O'Neill
Television and Radio PersonalityThe ABC Television program Shindig was hosted by Jimmy O’Neill who was from Enid Oklahoma where he started his broadcast career, placing him in major radio markets and an interesting life in show business and broadcasting.

Joyce Jackson
Civil Rights Activist, First Black Female Journalist on Oklahoma TVA tireless advocate for sharing and applauding the history of black communities, civil rights activist Joyce Jackson was the first black female journalist in Oklahoma television history.

Ken Greenwood
BroadcastingHe was a tireless promoter of the state of Oklahoma as well as a life-long nature conservationist.

Ken Neal
Journalist and EditorFrom copy boy to Tulsa World senior editor and 1991 inductee into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

Nancy Sevenoaks
Daughter of James C. Leake, Sr., OK Television and Radio PioneerNancy Sevenoaks, daughter of Oklahoma broadcast television pioneer James C. Leake, tells the story of her father's incredible life and legacy.

Russell Myers
Cartoonist, Broom-HildaOklahoma cartoonist best known for his comic strip "Broom-Hilda."
Become a Sponsor of Our Mission
By becoming an official sponsor, you help us preserve Oklahoma’s history while creating a rich and fulfilling education for the next generation of Oklahoma’s students.