Knowing Jack

Oklahoma Daily adviser to retire next spring

By Althea Peterson

Transcript Staff Writer

This could be the story of the Oklahoma State University alumnus who turned into a Sooner fan. This could also be the story of a newspaper editor who became a university professor.

But for those who know Jack Willis, a University of Oklahoma journalism professor and Oklahoma Daily student newspaper adviser who turns 66 on Sunday, it's the story of how a teacher can have such an affect on students, and vise versa.

Willis, a native of Tahlequah who spent nearly 20 years as an editor at the Muskogee Phoenix and 10 years in retail, said he started his new role as adviser of the Daily in August 1993. He said when it was time to move on from Muskogee, he found there were different challenges being an adviser compared with being an editor, but that he enjoyed the new job.

"Young people are very teachable," Willis said. "Being around young people also makes you feel younger."

With his daughter attending OSU and with both of his degrees also from OSU, Willis said there was a little Bedlam rivalry within the family. However, teaching at OU gave him the opportunity to guide students during some of the most important events in recent state and OU history, including the deaths of Blake Hammontree and Joel Henry Hinrichs III in 2004 and 2005, respectively, as well as the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.

"(The bombing) gave the students the biggest event they'll ever cover in their careers, and they did a great job," Willis recalls. "They competed with everyone in the media and they rose to the occasion."

Willis said he was especially proud of how his students helped the Red Cross assist victims while reporting on the bombing aftermath.

"I thought that was extremely touching," Willis said. "Another reason I like kids this age."

Another touching event happened during the spring semester of 2005, shortly after Willis found out he had breast cancer. Twila Smith, director of OU Student Media, said journalism alumni and students alike contributed to a Relay for Life team in Willis' honor. The name? "Team Jack."

"What a wonderful response from our students that was," Smith said. "I don't think I'll ever forget the moment I saw Jack (Willis) when he realized what was going on."

Willis, who said he is now cancer-free, said he only missed three days from OU for cancer treatment. Other than that, he just kept teaching and advising the Daily.

"Students and Student Media really helped," Willis said. "They just helped me get through it. I don't think they tried to, but they really helped."

Joe Foote, dean of the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, said Willis has a unique perspective to teaching that allows students to think and learn for themselves.

"When students talk about (Willis') class, it's never called News Gathering," Foote said. "It's 'Jack's Class.' I think that shows that he brings something special. He brings out the best in students and they leave that class much, much better reporters."

Andrea Heister, OU media management graduate student, said she has been on both sides, working for The Oklahoma Daily and taking "Jack's Class."

"He has the uncanny ability of being really quiet while giving you advice on how to not get a bad grade again," Heister said. "You couldn't be angry, because you know exactly what you did wrong and how to improve.

"You could ask him any questions and he would never tell you what to do, but would make you feel better and that would help you make decisions, or re-think decisions."

Foote said the college's alumni group JayMac will honor Willis, along with distinguished alumni John Brooks, Leland Gourley, Linda Pazlik and young professional Hannah Allam at this year's banquet 7 p.m. Oct. 13.

Willis, as someone who "saw how fast your health can deteriorate," said after his spring retirement, he will have time to promote his first book, "Saving Jack." But, that's not until next year.

"I believe in fate. When things happen, there's usually a reason," Willis said. "This move (to OU) certainly was good for me. You can't beat the university environment."

Althea Peterson 366-3539 apeterson@normantranscript.com

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