University of Arkansas Bands Add New Team Member

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The University of Arkansas Bands announces the hiring of J.R. Hinkson as the new associate director for operations, marketing and finance. In his role, Hinkson will administer the band and music department scholarships, provide outreach to future band members, and collaborate with the Arkansas Alumni Association and the Razorback Band Alumni Society to implement fundraising objectives.

"I can't wait to get started building relationships with past, present, and future RMB members," Hinkson said. "My hope is to continue the phenomenal growth of the Razorback Band and the Department of Music."

An alumnus of the University of Arkansas, Hinkson graduated with a bachelor's degree in music in 2001. During his time in Fayetteville, he played Tuba in the Razorback Marching Band from 1997-2000, attending the 1999 Citrus Bowl, 2000 Cotton Bowl, and 2000 Las Vegas Bowl. As a member of the Hogwild Band, he went on NCAA tournament trips to both Boise, Idaho, and Denver, Colorado. He also performed in concert bands each spring and participated in the low-brass ensemble. Following his time at the University of Arkansas, Hinkson went on to earn a master's degree in history from University of North Carolina-Wilmington in 2006 where he began his higher education career in advising, teaching, and administration for UNCW's living learning communities.

From 2008-2019 Hinkson served as associate director for undergraduate programs in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. There he served as an academic advisor for incoming transfer students and managed Leadership Walton, an organization focused on helping students develop their leadership skills, strengthen their academic opportunities, and manage their career path development. Hinkson also had duties related to recruitment, retention efforts, and new student orientation.

Hinkson's participation in the band and music department have prepared him to hit the ground running in his new position. "I would not have been able to attend college were it not for my own music scholarship, so to play a part in helping students achieve their dream of a college education is an absolute joy."