Hinley was born in Gunnison County, Colorado in 1907. William Hinkley was a three-sport star at Denver’s Manual High School. He attended Colorado School of Mines, but did not complete his degree due to an illness in the family. He did, however, marry the School of Mines’ President’s daughter, Lois.
He later attended Colorado College where he continued his athletic career and graduated in 1932.
He was the top school administrator at Las Animas and Berthoud High Schools. Hinkley also served as Superintendent of the Aurora School District #28J from 1949-67.
While Superintendent, Hinkley functioned as the President of the Colorado High School Activities Association from 1954-55 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1989.
He also served as the Fifty Year Club President at Colorado College from 1987-88.
Aurora’s Hinkley High School is named in his honor.
Hinkley functioned as the President of the Colorado High School Activities Association.