TOPEKA -- Cheryl Gleason, assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), has announced her decision to retire effective July 1, 2021.
She has served in this position since joining the staff on Nov. 1, 1989. During her tenure, Gleason has been responsible for the administration of bowling, golf, gymnastics, sportsmanship summits, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, the KSHSAA Hall of Fame and the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) program. Gleason was also involved with general interpretation of KSHSAA rules for the member schools of the association.
A native of Columbus, Gleason earned her bachelor’s degree at Southwestern College prior to completing a master’s in physical education at Pittsburg State University. She became a physical education instructor and coach at Caldwell Elementary and High School. Gleason later became a teacher and coach at Osawatomie High School prior to joining the association staff. She has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in support of Kansas schools for a total of 45 years.
“Ms. Gleason has been a faithful and valued member of our team as her service and leadership resulted in a positive impact on each member of our office staff while providing significant experiences and growth opportunities for students across Kansas,” KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick said. “Her energy, creativity, and desire to connect students with learning opportunities have helped prepare students to be successful in life.”
During her 32-year career with the KSHSAA, Gleason grew the KAY program via conferences and leadership camps for which she administered hundreds of students each year. Her work with the KAY began as a counselor and staff member for camps the summer after graduating from high school – a full 18 years before joining the Association staff. Gleason’s efforts and enthusiasm helped with the founding of the KAY Alumni Network to offer support for members after high school graduation.
Gleason was an active contributor to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) as well, serving on the NFHS Hall of Fame Screening Committee, NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee (also serving as the Committee Chairperson), NFHS Equity Committee, and presenting numerous times over the years at NFHS meetings for leadership/sportsmanship/ volleyball topics. She was inducted into the Kansas Volleyball Association Hall of Fame and was given the NFHS National Citation for contributions to the NFHS and Kansas in 2015. Since 2010, she has served on the Board of Trustees for her alma mater, Southwestern College. Gleason is also a 2020 inductee to the Columbus Sports Hall of Fame.
--KSHSAA--