Jonathan Hull tells stories with his writing all the time. His passion for writing comes through as the longtime Times Record News sports writer details the triumphs of teams and athletes around Wichita Falls.

Hull realized his own educational story was sitting there like an unfinished project, after twice starting college, then stopping to pursue his career and start a family. Thanks to the BAAS (Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences) program at Midwestern State University, Hull is a college graduate in addition to being a 14-time award-winning journalist.

“It’s cliché, but for most of us, it’s not too late to pursue something that will improve, not just your own life, but the life of your family,” Hull said. “That’s truly what getting this degree was about, and I plan to reap the benefits of it soon.”

Hull described himself as a two-time college dropout with one semester as a theatre major at Howard College right after finishing high school in Big Spring, Texas. He restarted college in 2003 to become a coach with stints at North Central Texas College, Collin County Community College, Vernon College, and MSU Texas.

He “dropped out again” to begin his sports journalism career in 2007 as sports editor for his hometown newspaper, the Big Spring Herald. He continued that career at the Times Record News in 2014.

Hull didn’t expect to be walking the stage in May 2025 at D.L. Ligon Coliseum, but he found it difficult to move up in his industry and started flirting with a return to college. Then he got a big assist – the game-changing kind – from his wife.

“I honestly never thought I would pursue finishing my degree until a couple of years ago when I started finding it difficult to get job interviews and promotions due to my lack of a degree,” Hull said. “My wife, Mindy, discovered I only needed 33 hours to complete my kinesiology degree. Once that woman decides something is going to happen, it’s going to happen. There was no turning back now. She wouldn’t let me!”

MSU Texas, which Hull was very familiar with, was his most convenient option and he didn’t have to worry about courses transferring to other institutions. “The BAAS program was also perfect because it offered some flexibility,” Hull said. “It allowed me to complete the 33 hours I needed without being tied down to taking exact courses on a strict degree plan. Plus, everything could be done online, which fit perfectly alongside my full-time job as the only sports writer at the Times Record News.”

Hull recommends the program to other adults with similar goals.

“I found the program very convenient to manage with both my work and family lives,” Hull said. “Most of the classes had assignments that were due once a week. I was typically able to complete them early in the week, and then work ahead in the course if the instructor allowed it.”

Two courses stuck out to Hull – Outdoor Adventure Programming and Law and Ethics in Recreation, Leisure and Sport.

“With Outdoor Adventure Programming, I realized how many of these activities I participated in as a youth and how they helped sculpt my personality,” Hull said. “I also have a close friend who runs a nonprofit business that focuses on this topic. It gave me a better understanding and appreciation of what he does and why he does it.

“I enjoyed the Law and Ethics course because it went over several different topics, including issues of race and media ethics. I’ve been a sports writer for 18 years and actually used my own stories as sources for my essays about these topics. I never thought I’d be sourcing my own work.”

Hull is glad that his previously unfinished project is complete. The third time was the charm, indeed!

“The graduation meant more to me than I imagined it would and didn’t truly hit me until graduation day arrived,” Hull said. “I honestly didn’t even want to walk the stage. I was doing it for my mother (Paula) and my wife. In the end, it was for me. I take great pride in finally achieving this. I realize it’s not a small feat.

“I’ve never been able to claim an alma mater. Midwestern State will always be that now. While Big Spring is my hometown, Wichita Falls has become my home, so a degree from one of its proudest institutions holds a lot of weight for me.”