The UM System Board of Curators announced the resignation of recently appointed curator Yvonne Sparks this evening. Sparks was [appointed this past November](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2015/11/13/yvonne-sparks-appointed-newest-curator-um-system/) to represent the First Congressional District until Jan. 1, 2021, following the departure of Mary Nelson.
“After careful consideration of the demands of my professional obligations and those required engaging in the work of the Board, I have concluded that it is not possible to do both well,” Sparks [wrote in a letter](https://uminfopoint.umsystem.edu/media/curator/01-27-16_Sparks_Letter.pdf) to Gov. Jay Nixon.
At this time, it is unclear who will be appointed to serve the remainder of Sparks’ term. Board chairwoman Pamela Henrickson had nothing but praise for her contributions on the board.
“Yvonne brought a valued perspective to the group,” Henrickson [said in a statement](http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/news/leadership_news/012716_news). “I regret to hear of her resignation as I know her experience would have contributed a great deal to the university as a board member.”
Sparks is the assistant vice president and community development officer for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. She graduated from UM-St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and later earned a master’s degree in management and leadership from Webster University and a master’s degree in public administration from St. Louis University. She also attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Program for Senior Executives in Government.