The Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) is deeply saddened by the passing of former commissioner Tim Gleason. Gleason served the league with passion, commitment, and steady guidance for 30 years (1991-2021), a tenure achieved by only a few conference commissioners in NCAA history. As the first full-time OAC commissioner, his legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of the conference.

“Tim’s impact on the OAC is unmistakable. He was dedicated to bettering the student-athlete experience. I am grateful for his leadership, guidance, and friendship over our 20 years working together. Having his name on the All-Sports Trophies is a testament to the high regard and respect he earned from the members of our conference,” said Tom Simmons, Director of Athletics at Ohio Northern University.

Gleason’s leadership shaped not only the OAC but also Division III as a whole. He served on 17 NCAA and other national committees, including the Division III Management Council and was a founding officer of NADIIIAA. Gleason was President of the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) from 2005-07 and is known as the father of the NCAA Conference Grant Program.

“I had the great privilege of working with Commissioner Gleason for 12 years. Tim embraced and embodied the vision and values of NCAA Division III Athletics and the educational goals of the DIII student-athlete experience. He loved the historical prominence of the conference and showed up on our campuses every season to celebrate great competition. He worked hard to ensure excellence and fairness,” said Rob Huntington, President of Heidelberg University.

Gleason’s distinguished career earned him the DIIICA Dan Dutcher Meritorious Service Award (2008) and the Dennis Collins Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).
The OAC extends its deepest condolences to Gleason’s family and friends.

Obituary 

Service details: Calling hours will be held in the Mineral Ridge High School auditorium on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Calling hours will also be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will take place at the First Presbyterian Church at 12 noon. A mass will be offered for the repose of his soul at St. Christine Roman Catholic Church at a later date.

Memorial Scholarship: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mineral Ridge Scholarship Fund (1334 Seaborn Street Mineral Ridge, Ohio 44440) where a Community Spirit Award will be named in Tim’s memory and given annually to a high school senior from Mineral Ridge who best exhibits dedication and spirit to the Weathersfield community.