Provost Emerita Inducted into Social Work Hall of Fame

10/27/2022

by Buffy Lockette

Dr. Rebecca O. Turner, JSU provost and vice president emerita, was inducted into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame on Oct. 14 in recognition of her many contributions to the field of social work throughout her career. 

Founded in 1997 by the Social Work Society of the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work, the Hall of Fame honors the accomplishments of some of Alabama’s most distinguished social work leaders. 

Dr. Turner, who retired from JSU in June 2019, earned a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Montevallo and master’s and doctoral degrees in social work from the University of Alabama. She spent eight years as a social worker before accepting a position at JSU to teach classes and develop its undergraduate social work program. 

Throughout her 38-year career at JSU, she served as a faculty member, department head, provost and vice president for academic affairs. Initially, as a faculty member, she helped create a top-rated, accredited Bachelor of Social Work. Later, as provost, she led the development of a Master of Social Work at the university.  

“We are so proud of Dr. Turner and all that she has accomplished as a social worker, educator and leader,” said President Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. "Her many contributions at JSU continue to make an impact.”

Photographed: Dr. Rebecca O. Turner, left, poses with the dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama, Dr. Schnavia Hatcher, during an induction ceremony on Oct. 14.