John R. Hoyle is professor emeritus of Educational Administration at Texas A&M University and specializes in Leadership Training and Assessment and Future Studies. He is one of America's leading researchers and reformers in leadership education and assessment and an authority on the visioning process and future studies. Hoyle is a dynamic speaker who spices his content with humor and motivational stories. In a recent national survey, Hoyle was selected by his peers as one of America's four "exceptional living scholars" in educational administration/leadership. These "exceptional" scholars met four criteria: (1) publish widely; (2) has broad impact; (3) has multiple spheres of influence; and (4) has established mentoring systems, democratic concepts, and agendas. Other honors include two Texas A&M University awards for Distinguished Achievement in Teaching; a new 2007 "Hoyle Leadership Award" created by The Texas A&M University Administrative Leadership Institute to be given to a Texas school leader who has made a positive difference in the lives of students for the betterment of society; the first "Living Legend" award in 1999 by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration; the 2008 Living Legend award presented by the Texas Professors of Educational Administration; and receipt of the coveted "Golden Deeds Award" for distinguished service to Texas education.

Hoyle has created more than 150 scholarly publications over his 40 years in education. His latest book, Leadership and Futuring: Making Visions Happen (2007) 2nd ed., was selected as the August 14, 2007, Book of the Month by the National Association for Career and Technical Education. Other recent books include The Superintendent as CEO: Standards-Based Performance (co-authored, 2005) by Corwin Press; Leadership and the Force of Love: Six Keys to Motivating with Love (2002) by Corwin Press, and Professional Standards for the Superintendency, Scarecrow Press. His current writing project is Six Steps to Preparing Exemplary Principals and Superintendents: Leadership Education at Its Best (in press, R&L Education). An October 2008 co-authored article "Maintaining America's Egalitarian Edge in the 21st Century: Unifying K-12 and Postsecondary Education for the Success of All Students" (Theory Into Practice Journal) is a visionary look at a successful collaborative system for all students.

Hoyle attended Texas A&M on an athletic scholarship, playing first base on a conference championship team. He has served as a public school teacher, coach, and administrator, as well as professor and administrator at six universities. He has been at Texas A&M University since 1975. His two children, their spouses, and one grandson hold degrees from Texas A&M, and two more grandsons were admitted in 2008. Hoyle's spouse, Carolyn, served as a public school and community college English instructor, counselor, and administrator, and is the expert editor for his publications.  Hoyle is better known to his grandkids as "Paw Paw".

Judith Adkison is associate dean for Administrative Affairs in the College of Education at The University of North Texas. She joined the UNT faculty in 1983 and has served as chair of the Department of Educational Administration and the Department of Teacher Education and Administration. Her scholarship focuses on leadership and policy issues, particularly those associated with equity. She has served as president of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration and president of the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration.

Adkinson received the James A. Vornberg Living Legend Award for outstanding service and support to the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration. Her visionary leadership and eye for operational detail lead to her being credited with the governance structure and board organization that is in use today by the association as adopted in 2004.