For 36 years, he was the steady hand guiding University of Mississippi students through triumphs and crises, celebrations and challenges. Now Sparky Reardon, the university’s beloved former dean of students, will pull back the curtain on decades of campus history that shaped generations.
Reardon headlines the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy’s Robert C. Khayat Lecture Series on Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at The Inn at Ole Miss, sharing stories from his new memoir “The Dean: Memoirs & Missives.” A host and sponsor reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Oscar-winning director and Ole Miss alumnus Bill Courtney, host of the podcast “An Army of Normal Folks,” will interview Reardon about his extraordinary career, managing everything from student celebrations to campus crises.
“I’m so happy to be participating in this series named for a man for whom I have the utmost admiration, hosted by one of my favorite former students and sponsored by a group of women who are unmatched in their dedication to Ole Miss,” Reardon said.
From Presidential Debates to Personal Moments
Reardon’s memoir, released this month by Nautilus Publishing, chronicles his most challenging and rewarding moments during nearly four decades of shaping student life. Perhaps none are more memorable than the 2008 presidential debate that brought Barack Obama and John McCain to campus.
Students created “Issues Alley” along the Grove’s entrance, where 30 diverse organizations — from the NRA to pro-choice groups, from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to Rednecks for Obama — stood side by side in peaceful coexistence.
“The lion lay down with the lamb,” Reardon recalls of the event, calling it “the best day I ever had at Ole Miss.”
Liz Randall, chair of the Robert Khayat Lecture Series, said Reardon’s impact beautifully embodies the series’ core tenets of leadership, philanthropy and culture.
“Sparky is gifted at the art of making deep human connections, building long-standing relationships and curating opportunities that promote and demand the best from students,” Randall said. “His impact has produced generations of successfully engaged alumni, and Bill Courtney is a prime example. Sparky’s profoundly authentic book reads as though he’s sitting next to you narrating it.”
Randall called Courtney the perfect “cultural guide” to lead audiences through Reardon’s stories.
The free, ticketed event includes a question-and-answer session and book signing. Get tickets online here.
About the Khayat Lecture Series
The Robert C. Khayat Lecture Series, launched in fall 2021, brings renowned speakers to campus to share inspirational ideas and unique insights. Previous speakers include Courtney in 2023 and former Ole Miss and NFL football player Dexter McCluster in February 2024. Supermodel Kathy Ireland, Ole Miss football great and current NFL player A.J. Brown and author David Magee have also been featured speakers in the lecture series.
The event benefits the Women’s Council’s Global Leadership Circle, which provides study abroad and internship opportunities for students.
About the Ole Miss Women’s Council
The Ole Miss Women’s Council, now in its 25th year, has built an endowment of nearly $22 million and awarded scholarships to 205 students. Currently, 41 scholars receive $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years) while being mentored by council members.
For more information, or to join as a host or event sponsor and attend the cocktail reception, please email omwclectureseries@gmail.com or contact Suzanne Helveston at shelveston@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2956.
By Michael Newsom/UM Development