Junior Tim Kewley stands out in a crowd – not for his 6’8” stature, but for his natural poise, quiet enthusiasm, irresistible smile and genuine love for life and Cleary University.
Starting his third year on the Cleary men’s basketball team as a forward and center, Tim finally is settling into the world of academia and how it aligns with his athletic career.
Tim grew up in Romeo and remembers playing sports with his dad growing up. “He was a D1 D2 athlete playing for some big-name schools,” Tim reports.
“I started playing basketball in middle school, and I wasn’t so good,” he is quick to acknowledge.
When high school hit, it was a different story. He was breaking records, making sports headlines in his small town, and winning awards as a basketball star. “I helped win games,” is how Tim, with his usual modest style, describes his high school basketball career.
College scouts were quick to make him offers, but it was Coach Carl Thomas from Cleary University, who was able to seal the deal.
“Cleary was starting a basketball team for the first time in the school’s history, and I wanted to be in on that journey,” Tim says. He made a campus visit with his high school coach who told him, “Cleary is a good fit for you.” Tim agreed.
With the help of state, institutional, and federal financial aid, Tim was able to make his Cleary education possible. He joined the inaugural basketball team in 2023.
His freshman year was not as promising as Tim had hoped. The transition from a highly structured high school environment to a fluid college atmosphere, where Tim had to hold himself accountable all on his own, proved a bit overwhelming. He struggled, sometimes even failed, and saw the downward spiral moving quickly. Cleary advisors, staff and faculty observed Tim’s struggle, intervened and helped him get back on track.
“It took me about a year to figure it out,” he admits. “I didn’t know I could ask for help, and when I was told I could, I did. So many people were there to get me through that first year. Now I’m getting 100s on most of my assignments and maintaining a good GPA,” he smiles with great pride. He even went to summer school to get his grades up.
“Tim came in like any other freshman, trying to find his way in college life,” reports Steven Repichowski, Tim’s assigned admission representative and men’s assistant basketball coach.
“He struggled with the process of college life, managing time, juggling studies and sports, navigating the responsibilities of college. He had many people at Cleary ready to lend a supportive hand – Coach Thomas, Susan Mall-Krinke (manager of Academic Advising), Sarah Briley (academic advisor), to name just a few. Everyone wanted him to succeed and provided the support he needed but initially wasn’t comfortable asking for,” Repichowski points out.
“My first year was a real wake up call,” Tim acknowledges. “I had to change my game plan,” and it worked.
His professors also noticed the positive changes in Tim. He finds a seat in the classroom where there are no distractions so he can focus on his studies, he makes sure he is on time for all of his classes and his weight training sessions, he turns in all of his assignments on time, and he doesn’t miss any of his study table time.
“His advancement has been incredible,” Repichowski notes. “We all have really seen him grow into an independent, motivated young man, confident, charismatic and comfortable with the world of academia and athletics.”
Last year, for the first Cleary Catamount awards, Tim received the Cleary Spirit Award for embodying school pride, enthusiasm and dedication; and inspiring others through his unwavering spirit.
It’s no surprise then that Tim’s nickname is Mr. Cleary because he epitomizes what Cleary is. At 6’8” and 200 pounds, of course he is going to turn heads, but what captures everyone’s attention and keeps it is his natural politeness, respectfulness, modesty and quiet nature – “not at all what you would expect in a star basketball player,” says Coach Thomas.
Tim completed his associate’s degree this summer and has started working on his bachelor’s degree in business management. “I want a good job, one where there is trust and one that I am good at. That is my goal,” he says.
To help supplement his room and board costs at Cleary, Tim lives on campus year-round and works summers for the Facilities department, landscaping, painting, power washing, and performing any duties he is assigned.
“Tim has truly shined during his time here at Cleary; he has built strong connections with other students and always is a positive presence on campus,” reports Briley, his advisor. “His first year brought the usual challenges of transitioning from high school in a small town to college-level demands, but it was his attitude and determination that led to his academic success. His athletic talents take a back seat to his ambition to succeed academically.”
When asked how he feels about Cleary, Tim surprisingly talks about academia. “I picked the right school for my education; it is a great business school where I have an opportunity to learn all the crafts of business.”
He smiles that brilliant smile he is known for when he talks about his first visit to Cleary. “They had my name on a sign when I arrived. Do you believe that?”
Coach Thomas describes Tim well: “He has been a pleasure to work with since he set foot on our campus. The improvement he has shown in the classroom after a slow start academically is admirable. He has a big heart and a great personality. He is a hard worker and open to being coached. This openness to ask for help is building his character. He is a promising future leader and mentor.”
