I am an Associate Professor of History at Murray State University. The husband of Shelia Clardy. And I am a proud member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. I’m the Wednesday night host of “Cafe Jazz” on WKMS 91.3FM.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My Dad is a retired family practice physician currently living in Clarksville, TN. My Mother is a retired elementary school teacher and children’s storybook author. My wife is a registered nurse. I have a stepson and step daughter and three spoiled grandchildren that I adore.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career actually started at Murray State when I was a graduate teaching assistant in the Political Science Department. After graduation, I taught as an instructor of Political science at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Then I went on to complete a Ph.D in Historical Studies at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where I held a joint appointment in history and Black American Studies. After graduation, I landed at Triton College (outside Chicago) where I taught American politics, history, and international relations. I teach at Murray State. I’ve been here since 2006. I teach courses as diverse as World Civilizations, US History, World Religions, and US diplomatic history. I really enjoy imparting ideas with students, colleagues, and the larger community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
August Moon and Sirloin Stockade
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
15 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Honestly? The most interesting person I’ve met in our community is my friend and colleague, Dr. Duane Bolin. He is a scholar and a gentleman par excellence.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to go to the Holy Land due to my interest in the politics of the Middle East and because of my faith.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movies are “The Post,” “Thirteen Days,” and “The Purge” series. I mostly enjoy watching British television shows like “Doc Martin” and “Father Brown.:
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always be authentic and true to yourself. Be compassionate and love the people that you serve.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Other than visiting the Holy Land? I’d love to take a Eastern Mediterranean cruise with my Wife.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Tool
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Honestly? Terrapin Station because they have a great selection of music.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would like to have a nice sit down lunch with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and pick his brain about the decision to restart relations with China in the early 1970s. I’d like to have this lunch at Jasmines.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It is a very quiet town on one hand, but also very urbane and cosmopolitan.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
As Full Professor and completing a couple of books.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
This is going to sounds very nerdy. Whenever I travel abroad, I am interested in how supermarkets are arranged in various countries. I’ve seen them in London, Beijing, and Regensburg and I find that fascinating.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Salzburg, Austria
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month: November. Favorite Holiday: Christmas. Favorite Day on the calendar: July 4th
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A great hearty burgundy with a steak.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I often look at the inspiration of people like His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pumpkin Spice
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace. Belonging. Rest.
