Bill Hensley (2015) - Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame

Bill Hensley

Induction:
2015

Hensley is a 1950 graduate of Wake Forest where he was a writer for the Old Gold & Black. As a sophomore he wrote his first story on Arnold Palmer, a subject that he would repeatedly cover throughout his career. In 1953 he was asked to leave his position as a sportswriter for the Asheville Citizen to become the Demon Deacons' sports information director at the request of athletics director Jim Weaver. Lured away by NC State in 1955, he served as the Wolf Pack's SID for five seasons. During his time as an SID he publicized 12 All-Americans before embarking on a long career in journalism. He became the state's top writer, publicist and promoter that included handling media relations at six U.S. Open Golf Championships and 10 major golf championships. He is the co-founder of the Wake Forest University Sports Hall of Fame, along with former athletics director Dr. Gene Hooks, and served as the Hall's chairman for 25 years. Hensley also founded the North Carolina golf panel that rates courses throughout the state. In a recent magazine survey, Hensley was ranked as the third-most influential person in the state among golfers. His career included a stint as the North Carolina Director of Tourism and he was elected the first chairman of the national association of state tourism directors. Hensley also helped to create the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and served as its president for four years.

Hensley is a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Journalism/Public Relations Hall of Fame.