Event History
Dr. Harry M. Sparks
Dr. Harry M. Sparks, former president of Murray State University, was a native of Rockcastle County, Kentucky.
He became the fifth president of Murray State on January 6, 1968, and served until September 15, 1973. Prior to assuming the office of president, Sparks served a 4-year term as superintendent of public instruction for the Commonwealth of Kentucky during the administration of Governor Edward T. (Ned) Breathitt, 1964-1968. He graduated cum laude from Transylvania University in 1930 and began his 43-year career in education in Breckinridge County. Sparks was a teacher, basketball coach, and principal at Irvington until 1941, when he became principal at Russell High School in Greenup County.
During World War II, Sparks served in the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of lieutenant commander. After World War II, he returned to the University of Kentucky and earned his Ed.D. degree in 1947. That same year, Sparks was named principal of Mayfield High School and went on to join the Murray State faculty in 1948. He was named as head of the Kentucky Department of Education in 1952. Sparks was a dedicated, long-recognized, and active leader in educational activities. He served as president of the Kentucky Education Association and as a member of the planning committee of the Kentucky Educational Television (KET) network.
In recognition of his accomplishments and of his extensive and dedicated service, Murray State’s Board of Regents established the Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series.
This annual educational lecture is made possible through the generous support of alumni and friends
who have contributed to the Harry M. Sparks Distinguished Lecture Series Fund.
Please consider supporting future lectures with a tax-deductible donation.
Past Speakers
1980 Dr. Ernest L. Boyer
1981 Dr. S. Kern Alexander
1982 Dr. Lyman V. Ginger
1983 Dr. Kala M. Stroup
1984 Dr. Billy R. Reagan
1985 Honorable Lamar Alexander
1986 Dr. Arthur L. Mallory
1989 Dr. James A. Wilsford
1990 Dr. Michael A. Strembitsky
1993 Dr. John R. Hoyle
1995 Dr. Kern Alexander
1996 Dr. Jeffrey Henig
1997 Dr. William Cody
1998 Dr. Jack D. Rose
1999 Dr. Marvin Druger
2000 Mr. Ben Chandler III
2001 Mr. Gene Wilhoit
2002 Dr. F. King Alexander
2003 Dr. Thomas D. Layzell
2004 Mr. Joseph A. Delaine, Jr.
2005 Dr. Walter G. Bumphus
2006 Dr. Willard R. Daggett
2007 Dr. Randy J. Dunn
2008 Dr. Jon Draud
2009 Dr. Lee T. Todd, Jr.
2010 Dr. Terry Holliday
2011 Dr. Anthony Muhammad
2012 Mr. Steve Prohm
2013 Mrs. Sarah Brown Wessling
2014 Justice Bill Cunningham
2015 Dr. Robert O. Davies
2016 Mr. Cory Notestine
2017 Mr. Hal Heiner
2018 Mr. Brandon L. Barnhill
2019 Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr.