The Education of a Lifetime
Robert Khayat's extraordinary life has had more rough patches than most observers would believe. In this engaging memoir, he provides an unflinching look at the challenges, the adversity, and the ups and downs of a career that ultimately transformed a great American university. --John GrishamFrom the playing fields of the NFL to the groves of academe, where he broke the shackles of the Old South at his alma mater, Robert Khayat has led a remarkable life, and his memoir is full of wonderful anecdotes and wisdom. As an ancient scholar said of Aesop and his fables, He makes use of humble incidents to teach great truths. --Curtis Wilkie, author of The Fall of the House of ZeusIt s not just that The Education of a Lifetime should be required reading for all University of Mississippi students and alumni and friends. It s that it should be read for all who feel called to be leaders, and by all who have been led. By all who ve dedicated their lives to improving their communities, and by all who ve had moments of struggle and doubt while doing so. By all who love the South, and by all who can t conceive of such love. In short, this is a book for everyone. Here we have episodes from a long and challenging career the charming of an eccentric donor; the attempt to separate Ole Miss from the racially charged symbol of the Confederate flag, which resulted in death threats for Robert Khayat and his family; the hosting of the Presidential debate, in an effort to show the world the university s progress. With candor and humor, Robert Khayat tells the stories behind the stories that have made him a respected leader and an inspiration to so many. --Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly, co-authors of The Tilted World