Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Willis J. Wheat

Willis J. Wheat had a promising career in higher education before going into banking. He served Oklahoma City University from 1954 to 1964 as dean of the Meinders School of Business and Professor of Management. He left OCU in 1964 to become Executive Vice President for Banks of Mid-America, where he introduced a host of new banking services, including credit cards and electronic banking. He served OCU as Interim President in 1979-80. He returned full-time to OCU in 1987 to become the T.K. Hendrick Distinguished Professor of Management. He is currently a full-time volunteer helping to advance the interests of Oklahoma City and the State of Oklahoma. Wheat was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2001.