By Jeffrey Metzler
July 26, 2018
The Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees publicly announced Dr. Eric A. Turner as the next President of the University. The 46 year old President of Black River technical College in Pocahontas, Arkansas will officially become President-elect on August 6th and begin his respective duties. Then, on Saturday, September 1st, 2018, Dr. Eric A. Turner will become the 25th President of Southwest Baptist University.
Dr. Turner earned his Bachelor’s degree at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, in 1994. Four years later, he earned his masters degree at Arkansas State University. In 2007, Dr. Turner earned his doctorate of education in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Turner’s past career involved serving different roles at William Baptist College for 17 years as Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Director of Development, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Dean of Adult Education. As Dean of Adult Education, Dr. Turner was charged with starting up an online college within the confines of the brick and mortar operation. After serving at William Baptist College, Dr. Turner was selected to be the President of Black River Technical College.
During his four year tenure as President, Dr. Turner restructured the institution into a college system, led the college to be on track to emerge from regional accreditation probationary status, developed the institution’s first comprehensive strategic plan, led the institution to develop a comprehensive outcomes assessment plan, restored financial health by realistic budgeting, implementing internal controls, and requiring fiscal accountability, implemented tactics to lower student loan default rates from 29% to 13%, and much more.
While at the announcement event, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Dr. Turner. Excerpts from our conversation can be found in the summer episode of Infuse Student Media’s Bearcat Chat podcast.
I would also like to welcome our next first lady, Mrs. Barbara Turner, and first daughter Emma Turner to the Bearcat family! I can confidently say that the rest of our student body is excited to get to meet and know you.
Dr. Turner, welcome to Southwest Baptist University. We pray that the Lord will use you to do great things for this University, for this community, and for this world. We look forward to growing with you and, most importantly of all, furthering the Gospel. May God bless the Turners and may God bless Southwest Baptist University.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Infuse Student Media or Southwest Baptist University.
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