Dr. Milton Clayton was a standout performer on the Oakland City College track team during his time as a Mighty Oak, graduating in 1971.

“During my high school senior year in New Albany, Indiana, I decided that the first college to offer me a track scholarship is where I’d go. Willis Simpson, then the Oakland City University coach, saw me run and in the Seymour Regional and he offered me a scholarship,” recalled Dr. Clayton. “I didn’t know where Oakland City was, but I accepted Coach Simpson’s offer.” Dr. Clayton went on to become OCU’s most outstanding track star, setting numerous records on the track.

During his junior year of college, he married Deborah Booth. They have a son, Milt Jr. and a daughter, Janna.

After earning bachelor degrees in secondary education, physical education and health, Dr. Clayton’s career began as a rehabilitation counselor at Gary Vocational School. He then went on to a position as counselor and teacher at Jeffersonville Alternative School, where he eventually became director of student services and principal.

He earned a doctorate in 2000 at Oxford University in England, and felt a call to ministry. He now serves as associate pastor at Little Flock Baptist Church in Jeffersonville.

Dr. Clayton states that “I feel deeply indebted to Coach Simpson. He was like a second father to me. If you had a problem, you could always talk to him.”