BSA Distinguished Alumni Award

A native Memphian, Dr. Sherry Turner '84 earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology/ sociology from Rhodes, a master’s degree in developmental psychology from North Carolina State University, and a master’s degree in theological studies from Emory University. After earning a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Turner was hired in 1990 by Mount Holyoke College, where she was a member of the faculty as well as an assistant dean and ombudsperson. 

In 2002, Turner joined the staff of Spelman College in Atlanta, where she held positions including assistant to the president and vice president for student affairs. She also was executive director and CEO of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, Incorporated, and in 2016, she was hired as the director of institutional success and support for UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building in Atlanta. A developmental psychologist, Turner has been actively involved in teaching, writing, and research with focus on child psychology, adolescent sexuality, the psychology of women, the psychology of African American women, and intergroup dialogue. In February of 2019, Turner became vice president for strategic initiatives at Rhodes, where she will provide executive leadership in developing and implementing a strategic campus vision for diversity and equity.