Torrence Sparkman is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Human Development and Consumer Sciences (HDCS) Department. A young New Orleans pastor whose family was displaced during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Dr. Sparkman returned to his home state of Illinois. He earned his Ph.D. in Human Resource Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012.
Dr. Sparkman currently teaches Methods of Adult Learning, Global Human Resources Management, and Introduction to Training and Development. Focusing on aspects of leadership at the senior executive level and organizational learning, he draws from several years of experience working with diverse organizations including corporate, community and religious organizations. He also continues to pursue research focused on the development of executive leaders, and the organizational dynamics of non-profit institutions.
As program outreach coordinator for HDCS, he balances duties as an instructor with promoting and building strategic relationships with industry-especially the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Sugar Land.
"I am grateful to be a conduit to the university, and to be a part of the positive momentum that UH and the College of Technology has generated," said Torrence. I take great pride in promoting awareness of what UH offers, gathering feedback on programs, and learning about the skills and competencies that organizations are seeking from students," he said.
Dr. Sparkman is married and has two young daughters.