Dr. Klenton Sparks, Sr., DBA, PGA serves as the Director of Administrative Operations for Norfolk State Athletics, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in higher education, student success, and program development, along with a distinguished background in professional golf .
In his role, Sparks provides strategic oversight for the administrative functions of the Division I athletics department, ensuring operational efficiency, NCAA and university compliance, and effective management of staff, budgets, and internal processes. He serves as a key liaison between athletics administration, university leadership, student-athletes, and external stakeholders while fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
Prior to Norfolk State, Sparks served as the Director of the PGA Golf Management Program and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he led program operations, including curriculum development, budgeting, and student recruitment, while serving as the primary liaison to the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA).
Sparks has a strong background in instructional leadership and student success, with a focus on retention, mentoring, and developing inclusive learning environments. In addition to his academic career, he has extensive experience as a PGA professional, holding leadership roles at premier golf facilities and contributing to youth development initiatives, including founding the Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Sparks holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Liberty University, along with a master’s degree in education, an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree in information technology .
