Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she has appointed Larry V. Turner to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. He will serve as a representative of the state at large and will be subject to confirmation by the 2019 Alabama Senate.
Turner is a retired president of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile. His career has included School of Education dean at the University of Mobile, assistant professor at the University of South Alabama and an instructor at Alabama Southern Junior College in Monroeville and Southern Union State Community College in Opelika.
He also served as executive director for the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and as superintendent of education for the Washington County Schools.
Turner is a native of Chatom. He is a past president of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama. He currently serves as a board member for the Literacy Coalition of South Alabama, the Washington County Department of Human Resources and the Principal’s Academy.
Turner is a past recipient of the University of Mobile’s Professor of the Year award, the Truman M. Pierce Outstanding Educator Award from Auburn University and the Alabama Administrator of the Year Award from the Alabama Association of Student Councils.
“Commissioner Turner’s professional experience spans from elementary education through post- secondary,” said ACHE Executive Director Jim Purcell. “His leadership will be crucial as we continue to build a seamless educational system in the state.”
Turner holds a doctorate in Administration, Planning and Social Policy with a Concentration in Higher Education and a Masters in Administration, Planning and Social Policy, both from Harvard University. He has an “AA” Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from the University of South Alabama. He has a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education, both from the University of Alabama.
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education was founded in 1969. It is the state’s coordinating board for all public institutions of higher education.
