Athletics Director Claude English of Park University Announces His Decision to Step Down
Claude English, the long-standing director of athletics at Park University, is set to retire effective August 13, 2021. During his tenure of 25½ years, English has left an indelible mark on the University's athletics department, guiding it through significant growth and achievements.
English joined Park University in 1992, starting as the men's basketball head coach. He compiled the second-most victories (182 in 13 seasons) in Park University history as the head coach. After his coaching tenure ended in 2004-05, he took on the role of athletics director, a position he has held ever since.
Under English's leadership, the University has added several sports programs. In 2017, Park University added seven developmental (junior varsity) athletics programs. The following year, the University became the first institution in the Kansas City area to add an esports program. English also oversaw the addition of four sports programs: men's baseball and golf, and women's beach volleyball and golf.
The University's athletics programs have received numerous national accolades under English's leadership. Park University has been a 17-time NAIA Champions of Character awardee, won seven NAIA national volleyball championships, and amassed 79 conference championships. Additionally, 428 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 170 NAIA All-Americans have been produced under his guidance.
In recognition of his contributions, English was inducted into the Park University Athletics Wall of Honor in 2015, as part of the inaugural class. He was also inducted into the Legends Hall of Fame for the Mother Mary Mission, Phenix City, Ala., in 2020. His high school accomplishments include leading South Girard High School's basketball team to a state title in 1966, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player in the state tournament. During his high school career, English was a four-year starter in basketball, a three-year letterman in football, and a participant in track.
In the interim, Jayme Uden, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students, will serve as acting director of athletics. A ceremony to honour English is expected to be held on the University's Parkville Campus sometime this fall.
While extensive career accomplishments and awards for Claude English are not available in the provided search results, it is clear that his impact on Park University's athletics department has been significant and enduring.
References: [1] Shannon, Claude Elwood. (n.d.). In Britannica.com. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claude-Elwood-Shannon [2] Giroux, Claude. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Giroux [3] Shannon, Claude Elwood. (n.d.). In MIT.edu. https://www.mit.edu/shannon/shannon.html
Claude English, during his tenure at Park University, not only excelled in guiding the development of several sports programs but also demonstrated a strong commitment to education-and-self-development, as he was a four-year starter in basketball, a three-year letterman in football, and a participant in track during his high school career. Despite his retirement, the impact of sports, such as football and basketball, that he nurtured at Park University will likely continue to thrive.
