Johnson & Wales Media Site

Charlotte Campus Announces Dr. Roland J. Sparks
As the New Chair of the College of Business

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — May 21, 2007 — The Charlotte Campus of Johnson & Wales University is pleased to announce that Dr. Roland J. Sparks has been appointed Department Chair of the College of Business effective immediately.

Dr. Sparks has a Doctorate of Business Administration and Master of Science degrees in International Business. He has a number of publications on website design, e-commerce and online education.

Dr. Sparks has been chair, Department of Business Administration and Economics at Johnson C. Smith University where he worked on accreditation teams, developed a centralized computer advising system, worked with local businesses to develop opportunities for joint educational ventures and secured a $50,000 private business grant to develop a new business retail program. He also served at Johnson C. Smith as assistant professor of Business Administration and Marketing. Dr. Sparks was also a platoon leader and executive officer in the United States Army Reserve where he was in charge of a 100-person construction unit. He is a certified public manager, professional engineer and member of the American Marketing Association.

Johnson & Wales University, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, we offer accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education. With a diverse student body of more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 89 countries, JWU prepares students for personal and professional success by integrating rigorous academics and professional skills, community leadership opportunities and our unique career education model. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and by offering unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I., North Miami, Fla., Denver, Colo., and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu.