Robert Spinks, Ed.D.

2024 Distinguished Alumni

B.M. Music '73/M.Ed. '78/Ed.D. '80 Education

Dr. Robert L. Spinks, a native Oklahoman and three-time graduate of Oklahoma State University, is founding director of the Master of Arts program in nonprofit leadership, and retired professor of nonprofit leadership at Oklahoma City University.

 

Bob received his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1973 and his master’s and doctoral degrees in educational administration in 1978 and 1980. He went on to serve in executive leadership positions in the nonprofit arena for over 30 years, including 10 years as president and CEO for United Way of Central Oklahoma.

 

A lifetime worker with youth, Bob later served as a professional with the Boy Scouts of America for 16 years. He credits his 62 years of Scouting experiences and the discipline he learned in his music studies for his life’s successes.

 

Bob has consulted with or served on the boards of many nonprofit and educational organizations in central Oklahoma, including Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation, Friends of OETA, Epworth Villa Christian Retirement Center, the Executive Service Corp of Central Oklahoma, and the Bass School of Music Advisory Board. He is well-known in Central Oklahoma for bringing music and the arts into partnership with the nonprofit community.

 

Bob's parents were both proud graduates of Oklahoma A&M College, and he met his wife of 50-plus years, Pam, in the OSU Marching Band. Their daughter Sarah is an OSU graduate as well, and their son Bryan is an OU grad. Both children were born in Stillwater during Bob's graduate school days.