Gil Cloud will remain as TPS athletic director
BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
5/01/12 at 1:16 PM
After nearly three months as interim, Gil Cloud will stay on as athletic director of Tulsa Public Schools through at least the 2012-13 school year, the district announced Tuesday.
“A substantial number of well-qualified and diverse applicants were considered for the athletic director position, but we have made the decision to stick with Gil Cloud,” said Kevin Burr, associate superintendent. “Gil has been a stabilizing force in the department, and our preference is to continue moving forward in the direction he is taking us.
“He is squarely focused on the well-being of students, and how athletics can create an environment for student growth and development.”
Cloud, who graduated from Rogers High School, was the athletic director at Union from 1976-91, Guthrie from 1991-94 and Northeastern State from 1994-2000. He also was in similar roles at Upper Iowa University and Arkansas Tech.
Before joining TPS, Cloud was president of Premier Collegiate Consulting, providing consulting services to colleges, universities and public schools.
The position became open when Stephanie Spring, who had been athletic director since 1997, was suspended in November and resigned in January amid a scandal involving a possible violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.
The FBI and federal prosecutors have since gotten involved in an investigation into possible embezzlement and misappropriation of funds in the athletic department.
“We have good coaches and student athletes and now we must move forward to make their educational and athletics experience the best it can be,” Cloud said. “We have many opportunities to undertake, and with our community, schools and administrative support we can make a positive impact in our students’ lives.”
An advisory committee assisted in the decision to retain Cloud. Members included Steve Mayfield, executive assistant to Burr; Stacey Vernon, Rogers principal; Michael Parish, Edison boys basketball coach; Mike Mims, Booker T. Washington assistant principal; and community members Dave Rader, Thad Leonard and Bob Hurley.
“The advisory council did a tremendous job helping with the search for Tulsa Public Schools’ newest athletic director,” Burr said. “The group has met regularly since early March and helped interview the finalists for the position in mid-April. Without them, the decision would have been much more difficult.”
Associated Images:
Gil Cloud.
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