Glover announces plans to retire from DHS

Often times the first to arrive at Dyersburg High School, especially during the different athletic seasons, Glover is in most cases the last to leave the parking lot at the end of the day.

After five decades of service that includes working for six superintendents as well as six principals, the man known to thousands simply as 'Mr. Glover' or "Undercover Glover' has announced his retirement set to officially begin at the end of the 2009-10 school year.

"I've really been thinking about this for the last three years, and now just seems like the time to get out," said Glover. "I've got kids here and grandkids that go to school here so I'll still be involved, but I won't be inside the building any longer."

Glover's career began at the former Dyersburg Junior High in 1963 where he taught algebra and a drafting class as well as coaching freshman football. Two years later Glover moved to the new junior high school, continuing to teach algebra as well as drafting. In addition to the two, Glover started the Industrial Arts program in the fall of 1965, which he continued until 1968 when he assumed the assistant principal role as well as coaching girls' basketball.

In 1970, Glover was assistant principal under Tommy Cross at the old high school before making the move to the new building in 1971, which today is known as DHS. That same year he took over as athletic director, a title he still holds some 40 years later.

"I love athletics and always have, so I guess that's one of the reasons I've done this for so long, but there's more to it than that," he added. "I strongly believe athletics enhances academics. I guarantee you students will make better grades if they are involved in something like athletics that pushes them to be the best."

Throughout the years there have been many accolades bestowed upon Glover both as an athletic director as well as an assistant principal.

Glover was named the Outstanding Young Educator in 1972, received the NIAAA National Award of Merit in 1997 and was named the TSSAA Athletic Director of the Year in 1992 just to name a few.

Though the honors are something Glover has appreciated, he has never gone to work a day in his adult life to win an award. He has found his biggest honor is striving to make a difference in the lives of students.

"I've done what I've done for these kids. I am one who wants to see these kids succeed. They have come back years later when their kids are now going here and I still know them by name. I'm even seeing some third-generation kids coming through here, so I know I've been here a long time, but it's always been about the kids," said Glover.

When talking to fellow administrators about Glover, the high marks and respect flow from start to finish.

Dyersburg City School superintendent Lloyd Ramer has worked with Glover for nearly 40 years.

"Terry is absolutely one of a kind and I don't know of anybody that has given more to the school system than he has over the years," said Ramer. "He has always paid so much attention to detail. The little things that often get taken for granted, Terry was there in the background to make sure everything was done and done the right way. You can hire someone else, but you can't replace someone like Terry Glover."

Current DHS principal and former basketball coach Mickey Mahon said Glover is a man with the best interest of DHS in mind with every decision he has made. "Terry has always thought of what is best for the students. He doesn't like the limelight and would rather never talk about the time he puts in, but believe me he can still outwork anybody," added Mahon. "At times I think he has done too much for the coaches, but that's what makes him happy and he has done it very well. When Terry Glover is in charge of something you know for a fact it will be the best -- that's just how the man operates."

Glover's secretary since 2000, Athena Kanable, shared in the praise for her boss as well. "He is the fairest man I know, right down the line regarding athletics and discipline," said Kanable. "I've watched him deal with kids day in and day out and he can defuse most any situation with a few words and a smile."

After working closely with Glover for 10 years, Kanable has learned a lot. "He is a very humbled, Christian man that has been an absolute blessing to me. I don't know what I'll do without him, but I've got his number on speed dial," she said with a smile.

In 1970 there were three sports to oversee, but as the years rolled by to the present date, Glover has seen athletic programs grow to at least 15 varsity sports. The key to organizing and maintaining the respective programs at the highest level has been a tremendous work ethic and the ability to communicate well with others.

"Communication is key, and a person has to be willing to put the time in, go to work and do things a certain way, the right way, in order to be successful. I think I've been able to do those things because I wasn't going to be outworked by anybody," said Glover.

Glover and his dedicated wife, Donna, have three children: son Chris and daughters Sherri Lyons and Vicki Hamilton. With seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Glover will close one chapter of his life and begin another in a few months and yes, he will be missed by more than a few.