Dr. Narketta M. Sparkman-Key

Dr. Sparkman-Key serves as the Vice President of Academic Wellness at STAR Scholars Network. She is a dedicated educator and advocate, deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments and empowering marginalized communities. With over a decade of experience in academia, she currently serves as a full tenured professor of education and Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Global Affairs at James Madison University (JMU).

At JMU, Dr. Key’s passion for education and internationalization is palpable. She tirelessly works to create inclusive cultures and advocates for the marginalized, promoting academic wellness and radical self-care for scholars and administrators alike.

An advocate for women’s leadership, Dr. Sparkman-Key amplifies the voices and experiences of women to drive reform. Her research addresses barriers to inclusivity, defines the professional identity of human services practitioners, and champions the cause of vulnerable populations.

Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Sparkman-Key extends her impact globally through her work with pregnant teens and efforts to support at-risk families, embodying her unwavering commitment to empowering and uplifting vulnerable communities.