Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Barry A. Kinsey

The students of the University of Tulsa and the citizens of the state of Oklahoma have been fortunate indeed to have enjoyed the talents and the services of Barry A. Kinsey for the past four decades.   Professor Kinsey earned his doctoral degree at the University of Nebraska in 1961, specializing in the sociology of medicine, public health, substance abuse, and criminal justice.  After three shivering winters at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, Professor Kinsey was brought back to the warmth of Oklahoma by Oklahoma State University, where he taught for five years.  Officials at the University of Tulsa recognized Professor Kinsey’s expertise and brought him to TU as Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies; except for three years serving on the staff of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, Professor Kinsey taught at the University of Tulsa for the next thirty-five years, becoming Professor Emeritus in 2003.  A vibrant and exciting teacher, Professor Kinsey earned Outstanding Teacher Awards from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Panhellenic Council, and the University.  He has published two books in his field, over twenty refereed articles and book chapters, and has given countless presentations.  Just as impressive as his academic activity has been his contribution to the citizens of the state by his service to agencies involved in law enforcement and treatment of individuals suffering from chemical dependencies; he has been a member or chair of over twenty-five taskforces and foundations for treating people suffering from chemical abuse.  In recognition of his tireless efforts to improve the health of Oklahoma’s citizenry, Professor Kinsey earned awards for his contributions from both former governors Henry Bellmon and Frank Keating and was named Professional of the Year for Meritorious Service to the State of Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Abuse Professional Counselors Certification Board.  It is with great honor that the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society inducts Professor Barry A. Kinsey into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.