Born Florence Gillam Hobin in
Douglas, Arizona, Birdwell was the daughter of Warner and Grace (Gillam) Hobin. Upon her death in 2021 at the age of 96,
The New York Times noted that during her 67 years as an OCU faculty member, she established "herself as a dramatic, no-nonsense mentor. She helped aspiring musical theater and opera singers unlock the mysteries of captivating an audience, but she could also make her students weep with her candid feedback on their progress." Birdwell received the state's highest arts honor, the Governor's Arts Award in 1985 from Oklahoma Governor
George Nigh. In 1990, OCU established the Florence Birdwell Vocal Scholarship Fund in her honor. In 2004, she was recognized as a Member Laureate of
Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women. In March 2007,
Starry Night, a musical tribute to her lengthy teaching career, was held as a fundraising event to fund an endowed chair in Birdwell's name at the university. Birdwell's students have included
Kristin Chenoweth,
Kelli O'Hara, The Times' feature concluded with Birdwell sharing her philosophy on the importance of being tough on students preparing for a career as a performer. "Mrs. Birdwell has had people run from her classes, weeping hysterically, never to return. 'That’s life,' she said. 'If they can’t take the criticism they’ve asked for — then don’t come.'Also, she said, not everyone is cut out to be performer. 'There are other fields,' Mrs. Birdwell said. 'With one girl I said, "Go to cooking school," ' she recalled. 'And therapy! Everybody should go to therapy.'” ==References==