Narketta Sparkman-Key

Narketta Sparkman

Academic Affairs Director of Faculty Diversity & Retention
Counseling & Human Services

Contact Information

2123 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, VA 23529

Biography

Dr. Narketta Sparkman-Key, holds the inaugural position of Academic Affairs Director of Faculty Diversity and Retention at Old Dominion University . Dr. Sparkman-Key's goals for this role were to leverage existing resources, create new partnerships and develop programming focused on recruiting and retaining diverse faculty. Dr. Sparkman-Key instituted messaging, visions, goals and branding that promoted a more inclusive environment. She developed a certificate training program to provide diversity and inclusion related training opportunities to teaching and research faculty. She co-developed an academic leadership development program. In addition, she developed programs to attract diverse faculty titled, “Excite the Dream” and the “Provost Initiative for Retention of Underrepresented Faculty”. She has developed numerous initiatives rooted in anti racist practices and focused on creating a more inclusive environment for all. She uses university data, COACHE data, policies, and practices to determine gaps and create programs focused on recruitment and retention. She co-founded the diversity center and diversity lab located within the college of education. Dr. Sparkman-Key utilizes virtual reality simulations to uncover unconscious and develop more culturally competent skills among teaching and research faculty. She formed the first diversity advisory committee for Academic Affairs bringing together local universities and organizations dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. She utilizes programs she coined such as, “Diverse Conversations”, “Virtual Watch Party”, “Mentoring Monday”, and “Virtual Cafe”, to have open discussion about some of the most difficult topics in order to promote inclusion. She brings in experts to share in the dialogue, recently interviewing Nicole Hannah-Jones on the 1619 Project. In addition, she has launched an initiative to support faculty in embracing culturally competent pedagogy practices. Dr. Sparkman-Key is a sought after speaker and has given national and international talks on diversity, cultural competence, equity and inclusion. She has even given a TEDx talk on Black Youth Suicide. She has trained television networks, corporations, boards, non-profit agencies, university faculty and staff on inclusion focused issues and given talks on that stemmed from her research efforts. Dr. Key offers a summer leadership coaching program every summer for women in higher education which focuses on career ownership and leadership development. Dr. Key’s recent OP-ED shed light on the current issues impacting professional women, as mothers and caregivers during COVID-19. Dr. Sparkman-Key has utilized her 10 years of experience in program evaluation, training and technical assistance to shape the culture and climate at Old Dominion University and beyond.

Education/Credentials

Ph.D. in Human Service, Capella University, (2012)

M.A. in Liberal Arts, University of Michigan-Dearborn, (2004)

B.A. in Sociology, Madonna University, (2001)

Psychological Suicide Autopsy: Sponsoring Organization: American Association of Suicidology; Date Obtained: 2018-04-01

Graduate Certificate in Global Health: Sponsoring Organization: Old Dominion University; Date Obtained: 2017-01-01

Graduate Certificate in College Teaching: Sponsoring Organization: Capella University; Date Obtained: 2009-01-01

Human Service Board Certified Practitioner: Sponsoring Organization: Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc.; Date Obtained: 2011-09-29; Expiration Date: 2016-09-30

Web Link(s)

Dr. Sparkman-Key Website

Expertise

LGBTQ

Assessment, Service Delivery, Barriers to Service

Family Conflict

Minority Families

Parenting

Co-Parenting, Virginia Law, Conflict

Human Service Practitioner Identity

Case Management, Supervision, Gatekeeping, Social Services, Foster Care

Adolescents and Children

Suicide
Research Interests

Suicidology, DEI, Human Services Identity Development, Human Services Education, Advancement of Human Services Field and Human Services Practice with Marginalized Populations.

Articles

Snyder, N., and Sparkman, N. (2019). An exploratory investigation of a flipped classroom model in human service education.. Journal of Human Services: Training, Research and Practice

Moe, J., Perera, D., and Sparkman, N. (2019). Exploring the relationship between practitioners’ consultation skills, competence to counsel lesbian, gay and bisexual clients, and attitudes towards transgender people. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 12 (4), pp. 1-19.

Sparkman, N., Vadja, A., and Borden, N. (2018). Human Services Identity Development: Exploration of Student Perceptions. Journal of Human Services, 38 (1), pp. 21-33.

Sparkman, N., Winfield, C., and Vajda, A. (2017). Emergence of the family oriented human services practitioner: A grounded theory inquiry. The Journal of International Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, 12 (3), pp. 13-32.

Hoquee, K. F., Sparkman, N., and Kalkbrenner, M. T. (2017). Human service students’ and professionals’ knowledge and experiences of interprofessionalism: Implications for education. Journal of Human Services, 37, pp. 55-14.

Winfield, C., Sparkman, N., and Vajda, A. (2017). Interprofessional collaboration among helping professions: Experiences with holistic client care. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 9, pp. 66-73.

Neukrug, E., Sparkman, N., and Moe, J. (2017). The Holland Code of human service professionals: An examination of National Organization for Human Services member. Journal of Employment Counseling, 54, pp. 146-156.

Winfield, C., Sparkman, N., and Vajda, A. (2017). Professional Standards: Embracing Preventive Ethics in Human Services. Journal of Human Services, 37 (1), pp. 55-62.

Sparkman, N., and Reiter, A. (2016). Gaining understanding of human services professionals: A survey of NOHS membership. Journal of Human Services, 36, pp. 75-79.

Sparkman, N., and Neukrug, E. (2016). Inclusion of "Human Service Professional in the Standard Occupational Classification System. Journal of Human Services, 36 (1), pp. 69-72.

Sparkman, N., Brown, K., and Woodrow, K. (2015). Parenting Differences in Minority Families: A Study of Parenitng Dimensions in Hispanic and African American Families. The Journal of International Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, 9, pp. 1-12.

Lott, T., and Sparkman, N. (2015). Rural Child Welfare Professionals Perceive Themselves Culturally Competent. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, 10 (2), pp. 1-8.

Sparkman, N., and Morgan-Gardner, I. (2015). An exploratory study of parenting dimensions and family conflict among Head Start participants: An examination of Hispanic mothers. Journal of Human Service, 35, pp. 39-46.

Moe, J., and Sparkman, N. (2015). Assessing Service Providers at LGBTQ-Affirming Community Agencies on Their Perceptions of Training Needs and Barriers to Service. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 27 (3), pp. 350-370.

Moe, J., Finnerty, P., Sparkman, N., and Yates, C. (2015). Initial Assessment and Screening with LGBTQ Clients: A Critical Perspective. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 9 (1), pp. 36-56.

Sparkman, N., and Lott, T. (2014). African American family functioning: Relationship between parenting dimensions and family conflict. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social and Community Studies, 9, pp. 2-9.

Sparkman, N., and Neukrug, E. (2014). Perceptions of the HS-BCP Credential: A survey of human service professionals. Journal of Human Services, 34 (1), pp. 24-37.

Sparkman, N., and Lott, T. (2014). The Human Services Board Certified Practitioner: A review of the current state. Journal of Human Services, 34 (1), pp. 184-189.

Craigen, L. M., and Sparkman, N. (2014). The value and important of international service learning programs: A model for human services. Journal of Human Services, 34 (1), pp. 126-130.
Conference Proceeding
Presentations

Craigen, L. M., and Sparkman, N. (October 24, 2014). Human Services Service Learning Study Abroad Programs Oral Presentation presented at 2014 NOHS Conference Strategic Action: Going Beyond the Gamble of Chance Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sparkman, N. (October 23, 2014). Impact of Pop Culture on LGBTQ Populations Oral Presentation presented at 2014 NOHS Conference Strategic Action: Going Beyond the Gamble of Chance Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sparkman, N. (October 23, 2014). Views of the HS-BCP Oral Presentation presented at 2014 NOHS Confernece Strategic Action: Going Beyond the Gamble of Chance Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sparkman, N., and Lott, T. (June, 2014). African American Family Functioning:Examining the relationship between conflict and parenting Paper presented at Interdisciplinary Social Science Conference Vancouver, Canada.

Lott, T., and Sparkman, N. (June, 2014). Do Rural Child Welfare Professionals Perceive Themselves Culturally Competent: Culture Competence Training Paper presented at Interdisciplinary Social Science Conference Vancouver, Canada.

Rehfuss, M. C., , Craigen, L. M., Dice, T., Dustin, J. C., Sparkman, N., and Levingston, K. (October 24, 2013). Expanding Student Options for Success through Online HMSV Training Oral Presentation presented at 2013 Annual Conference: Sailing into Our Future Baltimore, Maryland.

Sparkman, N. (October 23, 2013). A Study of Parenting Dimensions and Family Conflict in Hispanic and African American Families: Implications for Social Research Poster presented at 2013 National Conference: Sailing into Our Future Baltimore, Maryland.

Sparkman, N. (August 12, 2013). Global Perspectives in Diversity: An Examination of the Experiences and Treatment of LGBT Population Oral Presentation presented at Diversity and Counseling Institute Ireland.

Sparkman, N. (April 4, 2013). It takes a Village: Understanding Parenting and Conflict in Minority Families Oral Presentation presented at Becoming a Community Champion New Ritchie, FL.
Artistic and Professional Performances and Exhibits

The Silver Dollar Approach to Black Youth Suicide

Type: Other

Sponsor: TedxRitenour Road

Location: S. Louis, MO

2021: Mary Helen Thomas Racial Justice Award, YWCA South Hampton Roads
2020: International Outreach Award, Darden College of Education
2020: International Leadership Recognition, University of West Indies
2019: Women in Business Achievement, Inside Business News/ Virginian Pilot
2019: Educator of the Year, SpeakerCon
2019: Recognition Award, University Women’s Caucus
2019: Woman of Distinction in Research and the Sciences, YWCA of South Hampton Roads
2019: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leader in Education, Urban League of Hampton Roads
2018: Darden College of Education Community Service Award, Darden College of Education
2017: Shining Star Award, Student Engagement (SEES)
2016: Shining Star Award, Student Engagement (SEES)
2016: Inside Business Top 40 Under 40, Virginia Pilot Inside Business
2016: Miriam Clubok Award, National Organization for Human Services
2016: President Broderick Diversity and Inclusion Award, Old Dominion University
2016: Provost Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor, Old Dominion University
2016: Shining Star Award, Student Engagement (SEES)
2015: Lenora McNeal Award, National Organization for Human Services
2015: Most Inspiring Faculty, Old Dominion University
2015: Most Inspiring Faculty, Old Dominion University
2015: Shining Star Award, Student Engagement (SEES)
2014: Howard Harris Professional Development Award, National Organization for Human Services

Contracts, Grants and Sponsored Research

Rehfuss, M. C.; Sparkman, N.; Carlisle, K.; Tarver, S.; Winfield, C.; Simmons, J.; Hartsfield, J.; Sawyer, J. "Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program" $1,616,000. Federal. August, 2021 - June, 2026

Rehfuss, M. C.; Sparkman, N.; Carlisle, K.; Tarver, S.; Winfield, C.; Simmons, J.; Moe, J. "Opioid Workforce Expansion Program" $900,000. Federal. August, 2019 - June, 2022

Sparkman, N. "Service Learning Grant" $2,500. Old Dominion University. January, 2015 - March, 2017

Sparkman, N. "Research Grant" $500. Other. October 23, 2013 - October 23, 2014

Craigen, L. M.; Sparkman, N.; Dustin, J. C. "Quality Enhancement Plan Improving Disciplinary Writing Action Project" $20,000. Old Dominion University. September, 2013 - May, 2014

Old Dominion University

Idea Fusion

Narketta Sparkman