Tony Hardman

Tony Hardman is not only the Librarian at Oklahoma Panhandle State University but also a master storyteller whose narratives weave through the fabric of a large community. Hardman is now a member of the Board of Directors for the Tejas Storytelling Association. The Tejas Storytelling Association is one of the largest storytelling associations in the USA. Originally named after the storyteller, Finley Stewart, who had a grant vision of creating an organization that would bring together listeners and tellers from throughout the Texas region. The Tejas Storytelling Association is also well known for recruiting and training youth storytellers.

Hardman’s journey into storytelling is as vibrant as the stories he shares. His talents were recognized by the Tejas Storytelling Association, where he won the “Liars Contest” at the Texas Storytelling Festival in 2023 and was asked to come back and tell it in one of their featured story concerts for 2024.

For seventeen years, he has been a guiding force within Territory Tellers, Oklahoma’s official storytelling organization. His leadership has been instrumental, culminating in his current role as President, a position he has held four times. Throughout his tenure, he has lent his expertise and passion to various aspects of the organization, leaving a mark on its legacy.

“I have been very fortunate to serve on the board for Territory Tellers for the last seventeen years, four times as its President,” stated Hardman. “It is a great organization dedicated to promoting the art of storytelling to people of all ages and all cultures, and I am proud to be part of its legacy.”

At OPSU, Hardman’s role extends beyond the traditional duties of a librarian. He curates collections and assists students in their academic pursuits, and is also an adjunct instructor for the Speech Communication class. Still, his true craft lies in his ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary through the power of storytelling. Whether it’s captivating young minds with tales of adventure or fostering a sense of community through shared narratives, Hardman’s influence reverberates throughout the campus.

Dr. Julie Dinger, University President, stated, “Tony Hardman’s dedication to the art of storytelling is unparalleled, and his recognition by the Tejas Storytelling Association is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment. Tony embodies the spirit of creativity and excellence that we strive to instill in all our students, and we are proud to have him as a valued member of our campus family.”

In an age dominated by digital distractions and fleeting attention spans, Hardman reminds us of the timeless allure of storytelling. He stresses the importance of pause, listening, and losing ourselves in the magic of a well-spun tale. In doing so, he invites us to rediscover the wonder and enchantment that reside within the pages of every book and the depths of our imagination.