Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Steve Turner

For more than 34 years, Dr. Steve Turner has been blessed to serve two universities he loves. Turner began his higher education journey in 1989 at East Central University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He earned a doctorate in adult learning and higher education administration from the University of Oklahoma. 

From his start as a student worker, Turner has gone on to serve in many capacities, including vice president for administration and finance, executive assistant to the president for governmental relations and economic development, and the Thomas Endowed Chair in Human Resources. He began his tenure as Northeastern State University’s 19th president on January 1, 2012.

Turner’s leadership has seen NSU become stronger in virtually every area. In 2013, he began the implementation of Destination 2023: a 10-year roadmap of distinction through degree completion, establishing student-centered academics and advisement as top priorities. Additionally, improved facility maintenance and new construction, including new housing, a new wellness center, and a 90,000 sq. ft. event center have revitalized the Tahlequah campus. The Muskogee campus now has a renewed academic emphasis on allied healthcare professions with the addition of an occupational therapy major and the physician assistant studies program. Several new programs have been introduced at the Broken Arrow campus that focus on bachelor’s degree completion and master’s degrees.

NSU experienced historic fund-raising success with the Preserve Our Past, eNSUre Our Future Campaign. When the five-year campaign ended on February 1, 2020, over $27 million was raised. Most recently, Turner worked tirelessly to secure private funds and a significant investment from the legislature to construct a new $39.3 million complex for NSU’s Oklahoma College of Optometry. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 29, 2023.
President Turner is a proud member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and has taught at the New Presidents’ Academy for a decade.  He has also served as a mentor to several new presidents from across the United States over the years. Turner retired as president of NSU on August 1, 2023.