Jane Jayroe Gamble

Class of
2007
Jane Jayroe Gamble

Jane Jayroe Gamble

"This incredible state called Oklahoma, this homeland of many hearts, has always sung a special song to me."
Jane Jayroe Gamble in Oklahoma III

Biography

Many Oklahomans know Jane Jayroe Gamble as both a former Miss America and a television news anchor in Oklahoma City. During Gamble’s year as Miss America in 1967, she was the first Miss America to visit a combat zone and started the Miss America tradition of providing entertainment to our military every year. A graduate of Oklahoma City University with a master’s degree from the University of Tulsa, Gamble enjoyed a 16-year career in broadcast journalism. She served as a prime time news anchor in Oklahoma City and in Dallas/Ft.Worth. Representing KOCO news, she received several journalism awards for her work on education issues. Gamble was also the first female named “Outstanding News Personality” in the Dallas/Ft.Worth television market. A third generation Oklahoman, Gamble has been appointed to leadership positions by four Oklahoma governors and served as Cabinet Secretary of Tourism for the state of Oklahoma and Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. Gamble was the first woman to chair the Oklahoma Academy. She has served in a variety of leadership roles at UMC Church of the Servant and served Oklahoma City University as a trustee for many years. She has served on the boards of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Oklahoma Centennial Commission. Gamble is a former trustee of the Sarkeys Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City, she was on the initial board that developed Leadership Oklahoma. A much sought after speaker, Gamble produced a set of audio devotionals and created seminars for women titled Living Grace-fully and Esther Women: created for such a time as this. Gamble’s autobiography, More Grace than Glamour, with Bob Burke, was released in 2006. She also authored Devote 40 Days, released in 2011, and the essay for David Fitzgerald’s book, Oklahoma III.

Fun fact

Jane Jayroe Gamble was the first Miss America to visit a combat zone and started the Miss America tradition of providing entertainment to our military every year.

Oklahoma connections

Gamble grew up in Laverne, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma City University.

Hometown

Laverne

Profession

Journalist

Presenter

Born

1946

Died

Relevant Exhibits

Lights, Lyrics, Legends: Trailblazing Entertainers

Lights, Lyrics, Legends: Trailblazing Entertainers

This exhibit celebrates 18 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductees who have left a mark on American culture through their contributions to opera, film, Broadway, rodeo, and more.