ENID, OK - Enid Public Schools officials have selected Billy Tipps to lead the Plainsmen and Pacer sports programs as the district’s new athletic director. Board of Education members approved Tipps’ selection during their regular meeting Monday night.
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Tipps, currently an athletic/activities director and assistant principal in Winfield, Kansas, is a seasoned school professional with extensive experience as a teacher, coach, school administrator and athletic director.
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EPS Superintendent Dr. Darrell Floyd and an eight-member interview committee selected Tipps as the lone finalist for the position from more than 20 highly qualified candidates from eight states.
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“Coach Tipps thoroughly impressed our interview committee with not only his knowledge, background, experience, and enthusiasm, but also his outgoing personality, charisma, and communication skills,” Floyd said. “I feel really good about having him lead our entire EPS athletic program, and I am confident that he will work very well with students, parents, community members, youth programs, middle school programs, and high school programs to move EPS athletics forward in a positive direction.”
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Tipps began his career in 1994 as a kinesiology instructor, football coach and strength coach for Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. He then coached football for Missouri Southern State College in Joplin and Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas.
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His experience in a K-12 school setting began in 1999, when he worked as a middle school physical education teacher and athletic director in Dallas. He then served as a teacher, football coach and track coach for schools in Garland, Texas and Wylie, Texas, before accepting a position in Rockwall, Texas as a teacher, football coach and powerlifting coach.
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Since 2013, Tipps has served as the district athletic/activities director for Winfield Public Schools, as well as the assistant principal of Winfield High School. There, he has managed all aspects of school and athletic administration including teacher training, coach training, finances, event scheduling, personnel hiring and evaluating, communication, facility management and more.
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Tipps said he is excited to join the EPS leadership team and to serve student athletes, their families, school personnel and the community.
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“With me, Enid can expect a relentless work ethic in creating an atmosphere of pride within EPS athletics,” Tipps said. “We will focus on developing great character along with an unmatched intensity and attitude of hard work, improving every day, being unselfish and being the best. Go Plainsmen! Go Pacers!”
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Tipps received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Southwestern College in Winfield and his master’s degree in kinesiology from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. He earned his principal certification endorsement from Texas A&M University in Commerce.
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Sports and supporting student athletes has been an integral part of Tipps’ professional career, and he believes activities and athletics are vital to any district’s overall school program.
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“The value of education-based athletics in public schools is significant. Athletics and activities have an incredible impact on individual students, the school and the community,” Tipps said. “Athletics can be a powerful experience for those who participate. It is a co-curricular and uniquely important part of the comprehensive educational experience.”
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Tipps will officially begin his new position with EPS after spring break, but will be available for district collaboration and special events beginning next month. His first action as EPS AD will be assisting with the selection of the new Enid High School varsity football coach.
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In Kansas, Tipps volunteers with the building of Habitat for Humanity houses and is involved in his church. He and his wife, LeAnn, have one daughter, Grace, who is a high school senior.
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EPS Hires New Athletic Director
