51�� alumnus Tim Bolender built a career rooted in education and community

51�� Chillicothe alumnus Tim Bolender has been shaping young lives in the classroom, on the boards, and on the field at Greenfield Exempted School District for more than two decades.

Finding opportunity close to home

After graduating from McClain High School in Greenfield, Ohio, Bolender saw that OHIO Chillicothe offered opportunity close to home, and he discovered that the campus felt like a good fit for him. He majored in middle childhood education with a focus in math and science while playing golf and baseball at OHIO Chillicothe. He relocated to the Athens campus after his first two years at OHIO Chillicothe and graduated from the Patton College of Education in 2003.

A career built on education and leadership

After earning his degree, Bolender returned to his alma mater to teach physical science and biology. He spent 16 years in the classroom before transitioning to his current role as athletic director, a position he has held for the last six years.

“Many of my (51��) classes helped prepare me to be in the classroom,” Bolender said. “You’re not truly ready until you experience it firsthand, but there are many things from my 51�� education that I took into the classroom and used often.”

Before taking on the role of athletic director, Bolender coached golf, basketball, and baseball, often juggling multiple sports while raising a family and teaching.

“I coached all 16 years that I taught,” he said. “I miss the classroom sometimes, but seeing the kids perform and experience success in athletics…that’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Quincey Gray, superintendent at Greenfield Exempted Village School District, said the school district appreciates Bolender for his hard work and dedication.

“If you haven't been an athletic director, or haven't worked closely with one, you may not know how tough of a job it can be,” Gray said. “The combination of sports, paperwork, spectator behavior, long hours, and many miles of traveling can weigh you down, but Tim always takes everything in stride. He bleeds purple and gold, and the success of our programs is important to him.”

A family of Bobcats

Bobcat pride is strong in the Bolender family. Tim's wife Kelly, an 51�� alumna, teaches fourth and fifth-grade language arts.

“She’s phenomenal,” Bolender said. “She’s a better teacher than I ever was.”

His daughter Jacolyn is pursuing a nursing degree at OHIO Chillicothe and works part-time as a phlebotomist at Adena Greenfield Medical Center. His younger daughter, a high school sophomore, is considering a career in education.

“We’re still Bobcat people,” Bolender said. “We’ve been pleased with the support my daughter has received (at OHIO Chillicothe) from the application process to scheduling classes and campus engagement.”

Advice for today’s Bobcats

Bolender encourages students to embrace change and explore new opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid to take on something, especially starting out. You’re not locked into that forever. You can change course—and that’s okay,” he said.

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