Sparky says goodbye to Ole Miss at retirement reception

Sparky Reardon stood smiling in the back of the ballroom at The Inn at the University of Mississippi during his retirement reception Tuesday afternoon as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brandi Hephner LaBanc stepped up to the podium to speak.

“Important things happened in 1977,” Hephner LaBanc said. “The computer company Apple was created, ‘Coneheads’ premiered on Saturday Night Live and Sparky was hired.”

Sparky, who will officially retire from the university on April 30, has filled a number of positions during his 36 years on the UM faculty. These positions range from coordinator of pre-admissions to, most recently, dean of students. He is known by many of the students at Ole Miss for his kindness, caring nature and charisma.

Chancellor Dan Jones spoke of Sparky’s popularity at the reception.

“Years from now people will always know these names: Archie, Chucky, Eli and Sparky,” Jones said, comparing Sparky to the football greats at Ole Miss. “When the wisdom is needed in the room, Sparky can provide that wisdom.”

While Sparky has served as dean of students for the past 14 years, he has always worked closely with students in his time at Ole Miss.

Provost Morris Stocks spoke at the reception as well. He said Sparky has had a powerful impact on the student body.

“The people here are the asset we cherish the most,” Stocks said. “I can’t think of one person that has had more influence on the lives of our students than Sparky Reardon.”

Jones said Sparky worked to be a voice for the students as well.

“When we do have difficult decisions to make, Sparky was always an advocate for the students,” Jones said.

Sparky continues to reside in Oxford and plans on teaching graduate classes and traveling during retirement.

Sparky also spoke at the reception. He said working for the university never felt like a job.

“I’ve been on payroll and contract, but I’ve never felt I worked,” Sparky said. “I felt like I was doing what I (was) called to do.”

Sparky was often one of the first faculty members that many students ever saw at Ole Miss. He spoke at orientation as well as several other UM events throughout the years.

Sparky has also garnered respect at several other universities. He has spoken at more than a hundred universities on hazing and other matters involving college life.

He spent most of the reception with a long line of people waiting to talk to, congratulate and thank him for what he’s done for the university.

Sparky ended his speech by thanking his coworkers.

“If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it the same,” Sparky said. “I’d like to thank every one of you for giving me the best 36 years I could ever have.”

Sparky then gave a ceremonial farewell to the university’s students and faculty.

“Hotty Toddy.”

-Thacker Rice

-Video by Newswatch correspondent Brittany Clark