Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition with Johnny Sparks

In this episode of "Govs on the Go: Alumni Edition," Dean Hoon talks with Dr. Johnny Sparks, a two-time graduate of Austin Peay’s Department of Communication, with a Bachelor's Degree in 2000 and a Master’s in 2002. Dr. Sparks currently serves as the Director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication at Ball State University, a role he’s held for nine years. Growing up between Nashville and Clarksville in Cheatham County, Dr. Sparks shares how his upbringing—where education was prioritized on one side of his family but not the other—shaped his perspective. He also reflects on his time working on APSU’s student newspaper, The All State, and studying under Dr. Ellen Kanervo. He discusses his journey in academia, including earning his PhD from Indiana University.