Join us as we welcome THOMAS "SPARKY" REARDON on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 at 6:00 PM to celebrate the release of his new book THE DEAN: MEMOIRS AND MISSIVES.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sparky Reardon, who dedicated 36 years to his alma mater, the University of Mississippi — was a witness to the best, and worst, of times at Ole Miss. Reardon engaged with every facet of campus life, navigating the wild and unpredictable situations sparked by students (and, at times, by visitors). Reardon found himself in the midst of campus crises where he facilitated the university family through tragedy and loss (some involved student casualties); he navigated intricate battles for freedom of expression on campus (including confrontations with the Ku Klux Klan and loony street preachers); he gently guided students (and sometimes administrators and politicians) through complex judicial issues; and he had a rare, insider’s view of the evolution of Oxford, Mississippi, from a quiet college town to a vibrant cultural hub. In his forthcoming book, The Dean: Memoirs and Missives, Sparky lays bare the joys and hardships of what he describes as “the best job in America.”
In 1968, Reardon enrolled at Ole Miss with an eye on law school. Two years later, his plans shifted. Summoned to the dean’s office to account for his role as social chairman in breaking university rules, Reardon experienced a pivotal moment of clarity. As Reardon remembered, “It might have been the result of one of our parties running too late or getting too loud, or perhaps there was a chance that beer was involved.” He realized that someone, someday, would need to take this man’s place. Reardon left that meeting determined to become the dean of students at Ole Miss. Raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a young Sparky Reardon turned to books after a severe knee injury ended his sports days. Guided by inspiring teachers, he cultivated a passion for writing. Artist and author William Dunlap said, “Sparky Reardon’s The Dean is anecdotally rich and beautifully written. His prose — which soars — is once again proof that language is a Southerner’s Birthright.” John T Edge, host of SEC Network’s TrueSouth, added, “Sparky Reardon proves a wise and funny witness to the virtues and foibles of college students and the adults they grow up to be.” And former Mississippi poet laureate Beth Ann Fennelly wrote: “Affable, humble, wise, and a touch sly. Pull up a rocking chair, pour a splash of something brown — you won’t want to miss a word.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sparky Reardon, a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, left home in 1968 for college at Ole Miss with intentions of becoming a lawyer. Soon after his arrival on campus he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in higher education with his eye on becoming the dean of students. After graduation he returned home to teach four years of high school. Upon his return to the university, he held a variety of positions in student activities, student programming, and student services before becoming associate dean of students. In 2000, he became the dean of students.
During his time as dean of students, Reardon found himself in the midst of campus crises where he facilitated the university family through tragedy and loss (some involved student casualties); he navigated intricate battles for freedom of expression on campus (including confrontations with the Ku Klux Klan and loony street preachers); he gently guided students (and sometimes administrators and politicians) through complex judicial issues; and he had a rare, insider’s view of the evolution of Oxford, Mississippi, from a quiet college town to a vibrant cultural hub. He was instrumental in the development and adoption of the Ole Miss Creed.
Sparky was awarded the initial Thomas Frist Award for outstanding service to students in 1998 and had a scholarship established in his name by the Class of 2008. He was featured in Frat Boys: The History of Fraternities on the History Channel. In 1998, the Association of Fraternity Advisors awarded him the Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award given to an individual in the field of higher education who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to fraternities and sororities. In addition, he received the Interfraternal Accolade Award from Kappa Alpha Order, the Ralph “Dud” Daniels Award from Phi Kappa Psi, and the Legion of Merit from his own fraternity Phi Delta Theta. Sparky spoke to thousands of college students at over a hundred campuses and numerous national conferences.
After his retirement in 2014, Reardon was inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2016. He frequently speaks to classes on campus, spends time writing, and serves his local Catholic church, St. John the Evangelist. Sparky now resides in Plein Air in Taylor, Mississippi, enjoys his porch, a good cigar, a sip of scotch and the occasional poker game
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