Alum named student publication adviser
March 26, 2002A former "All State" editor has been appointed student publications adviser for the student-produced newspaper as well as "Capsule," APSU's student-produced magazine.
A 1993 graduate of Cheatham County Central High School, Johnny Sparks received a bachelor of science degree in communication from APSU in May 2000 and a master's degree in communication from APSU in December 2001.
The son of John V. Sparks Sr. and Linda Sparks, Ashland City, Sparks resides in Clarksville with his wife, Tammy, and their son, Eli.
March 26, 2002
A former "All State" editor has been appointed student publications adviser for the student-produced newspaper as well as "Capsule," APSU's student-produced magazine.
A 1993 graduate of Cheatham County Central High School, Johnny Sparks received a bachelor of science degree in communication from APSU in May 2000 and a master's degree in communication from APSU in December 2001.
The son of John V. Sparks Sr. and Linda Sparks, Ashland City, Sparks resides in Clarksville with his wife, Tammy, and their son, Eli.
"Education is my No. 1 objective. Many people on campus-students, faculty and administrators-misunderstand the rights and responsibilities of student journalists. I hope to promote a new awareness of the student press' role on campus," said Sparks.
Sparks sees student publications as more than a way to give students a voice.
"Quality co-curricular experiences and student publications serve University-wide retention and recruitment efforts," he says.
As student publications adviser, Sparks serves as a journalist, educator, manager and role model. He is responsible for working with the student publications staff to formulate, comply with and publicize a code of ethics that ensures the staff does not jeopardize the public's trust in and reliance on the student publications as fair and balanced sources of news and analysis.
Sparks came to student publications in 1998 as sports editor of "The All State." He served as editor in chief during the Fall 1999, Spring 2001 and Fall 2001 semesters.
He also worked for APSU's Sports Information Office for two years and served as a resident assistant for APSU's Office of Housing and Residence Life from August 2000-December 2001.
"The adviser position has afforded me an extremely unique opportunity. As editor in chief of 'The All State,' I dreaded leaving after graduation because I wanted to see my staff's goals and objectives through to completion.
"My new job allows me to assist the publication's staff in meeting its own goals and objectives, many of which I held and valued as well."