Bettye L. Giles, an outstanding leader and administrator in women’s intercollegiate athletics and physical education was on of the founders of the Tennessee College Women’s Sports Federation that was formed in 1969 to revive and organize intercollegiate athletic programs and competitions for women. Rightfully so, she was elected the first president of the Federation. She also served as the first women’s athletic director at the University of Tennessee, Martin where she was also instrumental in the development of this program.
The retired physical education instructor achieved the rank of full professor and served the UTM Department of Physical Education, its students and athletes for 42 years in numerous capacities from 1952-1994. Bettye was born January 11, 1929 in Oak Grove, Kentucky to Charlie J. and Marjorie (Cornell) Giles. Soon after, the Giles moved to Clarksville, Tennessee where Bettye graduated from Clarksville High School in 1946. Her many years of extensive involvement in school affairs included: president of the Girls Reserves; national Honor Society member; band member; student government; and outstanding speech and drama student. Additionally, her participation in the intramural sport of volleyball, basketball, and tennis were also indicative of her versatility and work ethic. All would later serve her well as a a teacher and athletics administrator.
She attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, where she again participated in intramural sports because no varsity sports were offered for women. She continued to excel in academics as well as in other aspects of school life with the following recognition: the Dean’s List; editor of the school annual; and recipient of the Outstanding Speech and Drama Award. Bettye Giles graduated in 1950 with a B.S. Degree with a double major in physical education and English. She was selected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities upon graduation. Ms. Giles completed a Master of Science degree in physical education and health at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1952.
Her monumental service and leadership contributions for a period of 42 years would fill a volume, but several included are: Founder and Area Director of Special Olympics seven years; Chair of the UTM Faculty Senate; UTM President Advisory Council; athletics official;local, state, and regional tournament director, and Cheerleader Sponsor for numerous years. Profits from summer cheerleading clinics under her direction have been providing health and physical education scholarships for many years. Bettye Giles’ vitae of contributions and service would fill an entire newspaper, but she is too modest to identify all of them. These contributions still live on in the hearts and minds of her students, colleagues, and friends that she has helped and touched.
Her efforts did not go unrecognized at her university. In honor of her unselfish and meritorious efforts and leadership in providing athletic opportunities and services for female athletes, Bettye was inducted into the UTM Athletics Hall of Fame. Further recognition was bestowed upon her through the establishment of the Bettye L. Giles Female Athlete of the Year Award. For her teaching effectiveness and leadership in academics, she receive the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. For her excellent administrative and human relations skills she was honored as Community Boss of the Year. Since 1996 female students play on the Bettye Giles Softball Field on campus, an honor and tribute, to the lady who paved the way for more opportunities for athletes. The 2003 Bettye Giles/Nadine Gearin Endowed Scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to the endeared teachers. Through these scholarships, the gates to opportunity and success will stay open for future students at the University of Tennessee, Martin.
Blending and balancing a dual career as an athletics director and teacher not a simple task, but Bettye Giles found the time and had the dedication to do both extremely well. She was elected president of the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, and was appointed to numerous committees of of this professional organization including Honor Awards, Legislative Liaison, Site Selection, Public Affairs, Jump Rope for Heart, Membership, Student Action Council, Executive Board Member, Convention Committee, and Chair of the First Demonstration School Project. Bettye was a tireless professional. She has been an active member of AAHPERD, SDAAHPERD, and SAPECW for several decades. For these many contributions Bettye received the TAHPERD Honor Award for outstanding service and leadership and the TAHPERD Life Honor Award for her long years of meritorious service to the association. The Southern District Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance bestowed upon her the prestigious Honor Award for similar contributions.
She has been cited as a Tennessee Colonel by two different governors for her many achievements in athletics, other educational endeavors, and for her many contributions to the citizens of Tennessee. Bettye Giles in enjoying her retirement in Martin, Tennessee, where she continues to work weekly, assisting with fund raising efforts for her beloved university and other community projects. She is currently Chairman of the Board of Community Developmental Services; serves on the Board of Directors of the Skyhawk Club; is a member of the Kiwanis Club where she has served as president and received the prestigious Kiwanian of the Year Award. The contributions this tireless leader has made to education, athletics, and to her community and the State of Tennessee are deeply appreciated by its citizens and athletes.
Her induction to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame supplements a vast list of accomplishments including:
- Bettye Giles Field, home of the UTM softball team
- Bettye Giles, Nadine Gearin, Pat Summitt Statues, Elam Center at UTM
- Bettye Giles Award, given annually to UTM’s top female athlete
- Bettye Giles-Nadine Gearin Endowed Scholarship
- UTM Athletics Hall of Fame, inductee (1985) and selection committee member
- Pathfinder Award from the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports
- TAHPERD Honor Award and AAHPERD Southern District Honor Award
- Joseph P. Kennedy Junior Foundation Special Olympic Appreciation Award (Area 7)