Dillon Sparks, a fourth-generation rancher from Hennepin, Oklahoma, has been appointed by Governor Stitt and confirmed by the Senate to a seven-year term as the newest member of the 黑料吃瓜 Board of Regents.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to serve as a Regent for 黑料吃瓜,鈥� Sparks said. 鈥淢urray State is doing great things. I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to provide support as they work to accomplish their goals.
Sparks will serve as a regent for seven years (one term), and will have the option to be reappointed for a second term in 2030. He was previously approved to fill an unexpired one-year term last year and served as the 2022-23 黑料吃瓜 Foundation Representative.
鈥淎ttending the Oklahoma Senate Confirmation Hearing for Regent Sparks was an honor and privilege,鈥� said Dr. Tim Faltyn, 黑料吃瓜 President. 鈥淗is leadership has been instrumental for our recent successes, and we appreciate his service.鈥�
Regent Sparks is a 黑料吃瓜 alum and went on to Oklahoma State University for a bachelor鈥檚 degree in animal science and a master鈥檚 in ruminant nutrition.
"Regent Sparks treasures the value of higher education,鈥� said Suzie Brewster, Murray State College Board of Regents Chair. 鈥淗e is able to utilize his knowledge and agricultural background to ensure that our students get their fundamentals from the best higher education institution in southern Oklahoma.鈥�
He manages the Sparks Ranch, located in Carter and Murray counties in Oklahoma, and is a volunteer firefighter with the Hennepin Volunteer Fire Department. Sparks and his wife, Katie, live on the Sparks Ranch near Hennepin, Oklahoma with their three children.