NSU’s President Turner marks 25 years in higher education

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--Twenty-five years ago, Steve Turner was determined to better himself and expand his education no small feat for someone fresh out of high school, but an even more challenging decision for Turner who returned to the classroom as an adult learner.

Today, as the 19th president of Northeastern State University, Turners experience as a first-generation, non-traditional student stands as an example of what can be accomplished when students of all ages are given access to an affordable, comprehensive education.

On Dec. 12, higher education professionals from around the state gathered at NSU to pay their respects to Turner and to celebrate his progressive journey through the higher education ranks. The event was a surprise to its guest of honor who was humbled by the turnout of so many distinguished colleagues.

Turner began his higher education career at as a student at East Central University in Ada, Okla., experiencing virtually every aspect of higher education with positions that included campus police officer, graduate assistant, tenured professor, chair of the department of human resources, vice president for administration and finance, and executive assistant to the president for governmental relations and economic development.

In the beginning, we never had a clue where life would take us, NSU First Lady Penny Turner said. So, when Steve started in education and realized it was his passion, it was amazing to watch things fall into place for him. He has always succeeded, even when he had three jobs and two small children. He is a man of discipline, and that, combined with his passion for education has gotten him to where he is today at NSU.

At Northeastern, President Turner uses his vast experience in higher education to provide an individualized education to students from all walks of life. A champion for quality education, Turner has also made it his mission for the college experience to be just thatan experience.

Championing affordable education, Turner has kept in mind that the college experience also includes aspects outside of the classroom, such as having safe, clean living spaces and being able to attend university events in updated, accommodating facilities.

Since his inauguration as President of Northeastern State University on Jan. 1, 2012, Turner has created and implemented numerous innovations such as the college completion initiative, Destination 2023 and the Light the Way Emergency Scholarship Fund. Construction projects include the NSU Event Center (completed in 2013), the new NSU Fitness Center (to be completed in 2015), and plans for a new residential living facility. He is highly involved in community activities in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow and been very active in state and national policy issues, especially those involving campus safety.

President Turners students first, mantra and decision-making process are only a few examples of how he has made such an impact during his short time at NSU. Turners commitment to every aspect of the college experience from affordability to safety is evident in his efforts to tackle the issues that can keep students from attending college. His determination that learners from every walk of life feel welcome at Northeastern State University has made NSU a unique and vital campus and one Turner is proud to call home.