Niya Sparks

Niya Sparks is a graduate assistant for the Office of Intercultural Affairs, a division of student affairs at Tennessee Tech.  She works directly with the Reaching Achievement and Committed to Excellence program, mentor/mentee meetings and Women of Worth.

Sparks is currently working on a master’s degree in counseling.  She came to Tech with a bachelor's degree in health and human performance and her first master’s degree in communication already complete and a desire to work directly with students.

Sparks is originally from Lexington, Tennessee and came to Tech a few years ago to be the evening supervisor at the university’s fitness center. She stayed in that role for almost two years before stepping into her current role.

“I love student affairs because it is direct contact with the students on a more intentional level. Being someone that cares about the overall well-being of others, student affairs is the perfect outlet to exercise that passion.”

Student Affairs provides services and programs that enrich student life, enhance the academic experience, and contribute to an environment that encourages personal growth and development.

Sparks also serves as the president of Kainos College, a campus ministry organization.

“I’m someone that strives to enjoy life no matter what it throws at you. My passion is to listen, talk, and connect with people in ways that people don’t take the time to anymore. I absolutely love what I do and the team I do it with!”

The Intercultural Affairs R.A.C.E peer mentoring program assists first-time students from underrepresented ethnic populations with their transition to life at Tech. It provides social and intellectual support for students encouraging them to become involved academically, culturally and socially in the Tech community, a perfect fit for Sparks’ passion.

“My career goals are to serve as a counselor at a university. College is such an evolving time for students and I want to be someone they can talk through it with and not feel like it’s the worst time of their life. If I don’t work at the collegiate level, I’d like to work with kids in the same capacity. We leave an impact on those around us every day, why not make it a positive one?”