Ronald Slack

Teacher/Counselor/Coach 1964-1994 Ron Slack first came to OTHS in 1957 as a student teacher, attending Illinois State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. He later returned to OTHS as a teacher in 1964, retiring there in 1994, though continuing with his service and support of the school long after his retirement. Ron Slack earned a master’s degree in school administration in 1967 from Illinois State University, then later a second master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Wyoming in 1968. He initially taught U.S. History and physical education, before becoming a counselor in 1968. In 1985 he returned to the classroom teaching U.S. History, World History, and Psychology. Throughout his time at OTHS, Ron Slack coached both football and track, helping to develop many of the legendary OTHS football teams in the 1960s and 1970s. During his final 16 years of employment at OTHS, he served as the head track coach and then continued as a volunteer track coach until 2010. Ron Slack also served his country for 31 years in active duty as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is a founding member of the Ottawa Civil War Roundtable and is a noted Civil War historian and speaker. He also served as a U.S. History instructor at Illinois Valley Community College for many years.