INDIANAPOLIS—On July 1, LaTonya M. Turner, Ph.D., will begin her new role as the dean of the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College at Â鶹ֱ²¥ (marian.edu) in Indianapolis. Turner is the first African American dean in Â鶹ֱ²¥ history.
As dean of Klipsch College, Turner will preside over academic and student support initiatives across all undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, Dr. Turner will serve as the liaison for the Klipsch College board of visitors, have the responsibility of maintaining accreditation, manage the expansion of the school, and serve on the President's Cabinet.
"Our program is trending to be one of the most sought-after, diverse, and talented education programs in the nation. I see no reason why our current momentum would change. I am genuinely proud to be a contributor to Klipsch College's accomplishments. I cannot put into words just how exceptionally grateful I am for the opportunity to serve Klipsch College through its next phase—a stage I know has the potential to reach unimaginable heights," Turner said.
Dr. Turner joined Â鶹ֱ²¥ in 2013 as the assistant director of the Academy for Teaching and Learning Leadership. Since day one, Turner has been a stabilizing leader in program development and growth, especially in her most recent position as associate dean. During the 2019-20 academic year, Turner co-chaired the provost search committee and worked with the Klipsch College faculty and staff to completely transform the recruitment and development of K-12 educators to lead schools locally, regionally, and nationally.
"Dr. Turner's critical leadership and pointed vision have driven the Klipsch Educators College to become a national model for colleges and universities. We are proud of Dr. Turner for the impact she has made in our community and look forward to her tremendous leadership as dean of the Klipsch College, as well as her service on the President's Cabinet, for many years," Â鶹ֱ²¥ President Daniel J. Elsener said.
Before arriving at Â鶹ֱ²¥, Dr. Turner served in numerous K-12 educational roles: public, charter, and private K-12, including being principal of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis, Indiana). Notwithstanding her professional background and extensive proven track record, Dr. Turner’s commitment to being a champion for transformative leadership makes her unquestionably prepared to serve as dean.
For more than twenty-five years as a professional educator, Dr. Turner always sought to ensure every student, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic standing, was amply equipped to maximize their God-given potential and serve the greater good. Dr. Turner holds a Master of Science degree in education from Indiana University and earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership from Indiana State University.
"I look forward to building on the fantastic work Dr. Ken Britt started, and I welcome the lofty expectations to continue infusing the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College with Â鶹ֱ²¥'s first-class culture. Because of the phenomenal foundational efforts of Dr. Britt, President Daniel J. Elsener, and Fred and Judy Klipsch, the Klipsch Educators College will remain true in our commitment to recruit and graduate the most passionate and transformative young leaders and educators for the state of Indiana and beyond," Turner said.
About Â鶹ֱ²¥ Indianapolis
Founded in 1937, Â鶹ֱ²¥ is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2020, Â鶹ֱ²¥ is serving more than 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 40 states and 23 nations. Â鶹ֱ²¥ climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Midwestern rankings to be named #6 Most Innovative Regional University, #15 Best Value University, and #30 Best Regional University. Â鶹ֱ²¥ opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in 110 years. Â鶹ֱ²¥’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women’s Volleyball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.