Benz School Legacy

M. Buddy Benz ’32, founder of the Benz School, recognized the importance of teaching students basic design theory. Without that knowledge, they would lack the foundation of floral art principles that are required for exceptional design.

The generous gift of his estate has allowed countless students to study his theories of floral design and to make significant contributions to the floral industry worldwide.

A Career in Floral Design

Benz was a graduate of the Texas A&M University class of 1932 in landscape architecture. After military service, Benz established a landscape and floral design business in Houston, Texas.

He soon became known for his innovative style and exciting forms. As his reputation grew, so too, did his extensive collection of art from his world travels.

His exposure to different cultures gave Benz an insight into theories of design, which transcend geopolitical boundaries.

Soon he found himself teaching, as well as writing, about these theories of design.

Impact of His Books

His first book, “Flowers: Geometric Design,” explored his studies of floral art within the American culture. It is still used as a textbook in many universities and colleges around the country.

His second book, “Flowers: Free Form-Interpretive Design,” was an introduction to Benz’s theory of using form and color of flowers to create personal expressions of floral art.

“Flowers: Abstract Form” was Benz’s final book which explained his third theory of design in which floral art is a visual experience.

Giving Back

As Benz neared retirement, he remembered his alma mater and decided to establish a unique legacy at Texas A&M.

First, he created the permanent Benz School of Floral Design within the department of Horticulture at Texas A&M. Second, he set up the San Jacinto Publishing Company at Texas A&M, giving it the publishing copyrights to his books.

Finally, he donated his collection of fine art and photography to the university. This collection is displayed in the Benz Gallery of Floral Art housed in the atrium of the Horticulture/Forest Science Building on the campus of Texas A&M.

Benz’s family established the world’s only chair in floral design at Texas A&M following his passing in 1980.

Early History of Benz Chair

The first person to hold the Benz chair is James L. Johnson, who was personally asked to serve as the director by Benz.

Johnson earned his undergraduate degree in floriculture from Michigan State University and later, his master’s degree from Texas A&M. He brought to the position his experience in retail floristry, memberships and participation in state floral organizations, and his broad knowledge of floral art.

He has been a guest designer at symposiums and workshops around the globe, as well as an active presenter at garden club seminars and florist programs.

He is a Lecturer Emeritus at Texas A&M where he received the Distinguished Lecturer honor and the Honor Professor Award. He has been honored by the Texas State Florists Association and received the American Institute of Floral Designers’ Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry in 1999.

He is the co-author of the revisions to “Flowers: Creative Design,” wrote five Texas Certified Florist Programs and served as the advisor to the Student American Institute of Floral Designers’ Forsythe student chapter at Texas A&M.

Johnson retired from the Benz director position in 2011, and passed away in May of 2020 at 82.

Designing for the Future

Mr. William J. McKinley was named the Benz School of Floral Design Endowed Chair in July 2011. following Mr. James L. Johnson, who held the chair position from its inception in 1980 to 2011. Mr. McKinley received his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Horticulture from the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1981 and his Masters of Science degree in Floriculture from Texas A&M University in 1983.  He taught floral design at Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL where he served as the advisor for the Forbes Chapter of SAIFD, a student chapter of the American Institute of Floral Design.  He later served as the Associate Dean for the Career Technologies Division at Kishwaukee College.  He was a member of the Illinois State Florists’ Association and was later inducted into the ISFA Hall of Fame and was honored with a scholarship in his name. 

Mr. McKinley was the Instructional Professor for floral design at Texas A&M University and served as the advisor for the Forsythe Chapter of SAIFD, a student chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers. His students were often recognized for their outstanding floral art work on campus at events, galas, receptions, and Kyle Field suites.  He created the floral certificate program within the Department of Horticultural Sciences Department, providing experiential learning opportunities for students seeking employment in the industry upon graduation. 

Mr. McKinley continued the excellence of the Benz School’s basic professional training based on the elements and principles of floral design as established by his predecessors.  He added new advanced course curriculums for events and high school instructors, as well as creating online courses. During his time at TAMU, Mr. McKinley had the singular honor of designing the gravesite entry floral tributes for both former First Lady Barbara Bush, and for former President George H.W. Bush, as well as flowers for the state visit of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium.  Under Mr. McKinley’s supervision, his academic students created floral designs for the attendance record breaking George Strait concert and a World Cup Friendly, both held at Kyle Field. 

 In addition to his academic responsibilities, Mr. McKinley expanded the programs for the Benz School Korea, a satellite school located in Seoul, South Korea. With an outstanding international reputation, the Benz School Korea has educated and awarded over 1600 certificates to floral students, and taught American floral art to over 25 professional floral educators at its Seoul location, with Mr. McKinley leading the program from 2011-2025. 

Bill was a member of the National Board of Directors for American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) for six years and served as the Committee Chair for multiple national committees. Mr. McKinley chaired the task force creating the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) National Accreditation, as well as chairing the revision of the AIFD Terms book 3rd edition.  He was honored with AIFD’s Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry in 2010, as well as their highest honor making him an AIFD Fellow in 2022.

Mr. McKinley co-authored with Mr. James L. Johnson,  the revisions of the M. Buddy Benz book, Flowers: Creative Design, a book that laid the groundwork for American floral art education which is currently in its 7th edition and 11th printing. He has led many design seminars across the country and internationally, written floral education curriculum for the industry, both for traditional settings and for online instruction. 

Mr. McKinley retired in December 2025 from Texas A&M University.  He continues to be active in the floral industry and AIFD.  He was named Instructional Professor Emeritus, as well as Benz School Director Emeritus in 2025.