Steve Sparks

Dr. Steve Sparks joined Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation in 2023 as Assistant Professor and is excited to help the next generation of aviation professionals through his passion and experiences. He holds a B.A. in Accounting from Bethany College, an M.B.A. in Corporate Finance from Robert Morris University along with an earned Doctorate in Applied Educational Studies from Oklahoma State University, where his primary studies included distraction management, prioritization in the cockpit, training and safety management.  

Prior to joining Western Michigan, Dr. Sparks served in a variety of roles in the General Aviation industry that included Director of Flight Standards for CIRRUS Aircraft, Director of Safety for the Helicopter Association International (HAI) and prior to that, was an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA’s General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) specializing in human factors, risk management and educational outreach initiatives. He has operational experience in both airplanes and helicopters and served as the Coordinator for the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) aimed at reducing fatal helicopter accidents throughout all segments of the helicopter industry. His additional experience includes corporate aviation marketing, customer relations and Part 142 Training Center operations.

His teaching and research assignments here at Western will center around General Aviation Management, Aviation Safety, Aviation Physiology & Human Factors and Student Development. Dr. Sparks lives in Zeeland, MI with his wife and two children and they enjoy college sports, exercising, reading and taking in all the beautiful things offered here in Pure Michigan.