Though Muscatine High School’s (MHS’s) new Activities and Athletic Director (AD) Tom Ulses has only worked in Muscatine for about two months, he already has many ideas for how to bring positive changes to its programs. At the September meeting of Purple and Gold, Ulses spoke about his ideas for the future.  

Ulses has always considered change a positive force in his life, and as AD, he wants to work to help all the students participating in sports and activities at MHS learn how to positively respond to changes in their lives. A hands on person, Ulses explained he has developed a leadership style that allows him to work closely with staff and student to help them reach their full potential. “My style of leadership is really rooted in service. My mission is to educate, engage, and empower others to achieve success.”

In his previous experiences as an athletic director, and in his own family raising four children, Ulses found that high school activities and sports teach students many of the skills and attitudes they need to navigate life successfully. However, he also know that for kids to get the most out of the groups they participate in, they need excellent facilities. To that end, Ulses shared that he and others at MHS will create a three to five year plan to schedule out updates to school facilities. These will include making improvements to the football stadium and adding a turf field, refinishing the track, and making upgrades to MHS’s fine arts wing. 

As Ulses starts his career at MHS, he looks forward to leading Muskies in every activity in reaching their full potential. “I’ve only been here two months, but I love to talk Muskies and how we can make a difference together,” he shared.