Annual Sparks Lecture set for June 9, Ky Commissioner of Education to speak

Murray State University's 2008 Sparks Lecture, featuring guest speaker Dr. Jon Draud, Kentucky Commissioner of Education, will be held June 9 at 4 p.m., in the auditorium of Alexander Hall. The Sparks Lecture is an annual college of education event instituted to honor Dr. Harry M. Sparks who served from 1968-73 as the fifth president of Murray State University.

Watch the lecture live online

The lecture Draud has chosen to present is titled "Focus on Teachers as Leaders in the Classroom, School and District." Following the lecture, the college of education will present their Outstanding Educator Award. To conclude the event, guests are invited to stay and socialize as barbeque and homemade ice cream are served. From teacher to coach to principal and superintendent, Draud has fulfilled many roles in the educational arena. He was an associate professor and served as director of School/University Partnerships at Northern Kentucky University. He was also named superintendent of the Ludlow Independent school district; assistant superintendent of Lockland (Ohio) Public Schools; served as a member of the Kenton County Board of Education; and as school principal and teacher.

Draud earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and history, and master's degree in school administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He also holds a master's degree in political science from Xavier University in Cincinnati, and a doctorate in school curriculum and administration with a minor in public policy from the University of Cincinnati.

In December of 2007 Draud became Kentucky's fourth education commissioner. Prior to this he was a state legislator, representing the 63rd District from 1998-2007, and was vice-chair of the House Education Committee since 1999.

Draud is a director on the Southern Regional Education Board and has served on many state government task forces. In 2007, The Kentucky Parent Teacher Association presented him with the Paul Mason Legislative Advocate for Children Award.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Penny Futrell in the college of education dean's office at 270-809-3817.