Walt Hendrickson, independent geologist, got his Master of Science degree in geology from the University of Texas in Arlington and has spent the bulk of his professional career working in Oklahoma. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Biology at the University of Texas in Austin where he and his high school sweetheart Jean resided while she worked and he went to school. Walt also worked during college and was particularly happy working in the State of Texas Senate darkroom, where he cultivated a talent in photography. 

Following graduation from UT Austin and finding his best job offer to be that of egg inspector for the USDA, Walt applied for and was hired to be the photographer for the City of Austin. With a degree, and job, and a wife, the two of them pursued the next step of the American dream: family. Their first daughter, Amy, was born in Austin, Texas.

It was following the birth of their first daughter that Walt, encouraged by his geologist-father and his geologist-uncle, and Jean moved from Austin to Arlington for Walt to pursue geology. With the first summer course, he had found his passion. Two years in Arlington, and second daughter, Barb, later, Walt graduated with highest honors and a master’s degree that took him to Oklahoma where his career was nurtured and continues. Walt has also published extensively for the field while adding to the natural resources it takes to keep society moving forward.

Once in Oklahoma, it was Jean’s turn for college. Jean received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Oklahoma City University, where she graduated summa cum laude and received the “Outstanding Future Teacher” award. She received her Master of Education degree, also summa, from the University of Central Oklahoma. Now Director Emeritus for Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at UCO, Jean works as a speaker, writer, and advocate with organizations around the world that believe all children are entitled to a rich educational experience that equips them to take their rightful place in the world. 

The couple has resided in Oklahoma for more than four decades and has served singly and together on numerous boards, at their church and in their neighborhood, hoping to leave an impact that shows the value of every human being and every person’s right to pursue their own dreams. They have two beautiful daughters and two amazing sons-in-law, and most importantly, two precious granddaughters already making an impact of their own.