By David Simpson
Narketta Sparkman-Key
A faculty member with a passion for helping people has assumed a leadership role with Academic Affairs.
In June, Narketta Sparkman-Key became director of faculty diversity and retention. She is an associate professor of human services in the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies.
Her reaction to being named to the position?
"I think initially overwhelmed by the opportunity and the performance expectations," she said. "There is always a little doubt about whether you can really create change. However, that passed very quickly, and I jumped in with both feet."
The Center for Faculty Development reached Sparkman-Key with more questions.
Where were you born, where did you grow up and what brought you to 麻豆国产AV? 鈥婭 was born and raised in Detroit, Mich. I was relocated to Virginia by 麻豆国产AV. I came as a single mother with two small children. I had recently graduated from Capella University with my PhD.
When did you arrive at 麻豆国产AV and what has your role been? I arrived in December 2012 as an assistant professor of human services. Since then I have been promoted to associate professor with tenure and served as human services program director and assistant chair of Counseling and Human Services.
What are your specialties as a scholar? Suicide prevention among black youth is my area of expertise and advocacy; however, my scholarly efforts have focused on three main areas. My first research area focuses on human services practice with marginalized populations. This is an area that I am very passionate about since most of my professional expertise in the field has been in direct practice with marginalized populations, specifically Hispanic families, African American families and LGBTQ clients. My second is competence in human services practice. My third area of research has focused on moving the field of human services forward and expanding human services-specific education.
What drives you in your work? I have a passion for helping people. I have been oriented in social and community services, so my goal is always to remove barriers for vulnerable populations.
When you took the new job, did you retain any teaching or departmental duties? I am still a part of my department as a tenured associate faculty member. I am still committed to service and research expectations.
What does your new role entail? My role is to recruit diverse faculty and focus on retaining diverse faculty through increasing diversity and inclusion efforts on campus.
Please give us examples of those efforts. I'm rebranding and really drawing attention to the university's focus on diversity. I've launched a new website. I have also partnered with other departments to create new programs that foster retention.
What is your vision of faculty diversity, inclusion and retention? I want to create a culture where everyone feels they have a voice and their views are valued on our campus. I want to increase our diversity while retaining all the faculty we have.
What are your interests outside of work? I enjoy time with my dog Mars.
How do you relax? A nice mixed fit workout.
Anything you'd like to add about yourself? I am really passionate about increasing the diversity efforts at 麻豆国产AV. I believe 麻豆国产AV is a great place to work and we can make it even better.