Dr. James Finck, professor of American History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has received multiple awards for his writing in Lawton’s business and political newspaper, ‘The Southwest Ledger’, earning recognition from the National Newspaper Association and the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists.

At the National Newspaper Association’s 2024 Awards, Finck received third place in the Best Serious Column, Non-Daily Division for ‘Father, Son Give Insightful Review of Temple Grandin.’ He also earned honorable mentions for ‘Bidding Farewell to Kris Kristofferson’ in the same category and for his ‘Constitution 101’ series in the Best Feature Series, Non-Daily Division.

Finck was also honored at the 2025 Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists awards, where he won first place for Editorial Writing for his piece ‘Don’t Thank a Veteran This Memorial Day.’

“Finck is one of the most well-read individuals I have ever worked with and approaches editorial writing from a holistic approach,” Quoted JJ Francais, Mayor of Elgin and USAO Regent Board Member. “He’s always looking for the unintended consequences. He approaches his writing the way he approaches life – conservative, pragmatic and with a deeply held faith in the Lord.”

Since 2019, Finck has shared his passion for history through his own blog ‘Historically Speaking’ and has been a regular contributor to ‘The Southwest Ledger’ since 2021.

“I want people to be able to have dialect, but from an informed position.” Stated Finck, “History is everywhere, and that’s the whole reason I started writing; so people can have different perspectives that come from knowledge.”

Finck took to writing after experiencing historical inspiration from his childhood home in Virginia.

“I grew up in the shadows of the Civil War, the Revolution – and have loved it ever since I was a little kid. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, and I’m extremely lucky that I’m one of those people is literally doing what I wanted to do when I was a kid. It’s always been my passion.”

In addition to his awards winning columns, he has also written ‘Divided Loyalties: Kentucky’s Struggle with Armed Neutrality During the Civil War’, ‘Images of America: Chickasha’, and ‘The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Celebrating a Tradition of Different’.

Next time you see Dr. James Finck around campus or in class, be sure to congratulate him.