Men To Watch 2025 honoree Dr. John C. Turner

John C. Turner, Ph.D. (He/Him) is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Turner is an alumnus of Indiana State University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Technology and Master of Science Degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education. Dr. Turner completed his Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Urban Education Studies from the Indiana University School of Education at Indiana University Indianapolis. His academic research focuses on the retention and success of Black/minority males, postsecondary/college readiness, first/second year student success, and BIPOC K-Graduate School students, staff, and faculty.

Dr. Turner formerly worked as an Assistant Director of Academic Advising at Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis campus for 7 years, serving thousands of First-Year, business, and IT students, along with mentoring, coaching and advising staff. Dr. Turner served as an Adjunct Professor for Student Success/First Year Seminar courses at Ivy Tech Community College for 10 years and co-created the first IVYT F.O.C.U.S. affinity section first year experience course for Black Males. Dr. Turner has led and coordinated successful program initiatives such as the Male Empowerment Summer Bridge Program and the Male College Readiness Summit at Ivy Tech Community College. Dr. Turner helped to launch the inaugural Healthcare Camp at Marian University Indianapolis as a Project Manager, which is now a mainstay of the university’s summer enrichment camps. Dr. Turner currently serves as the Inaugural Executive Director of the Black Leadership Initiative at Marian University

Indianapolis and as an Associate Adjunct Professor with the University of Maryland Global Campus First-Year Experience Department teaching business and technology students around the world.

Dr. Turner is an award-winning educator, scholar, and experienced orator who has served as keynote speaker, panelist, and presenter both in-person and virtually at various conferences and events around the world. Dr. Turner’s works have been featured on The Doc Chat Podcast, The Good Men Project, Living Education eMagazine, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Turner has spoken and conducted discussions on a range of trending topics worldwide such as race and diversity, education, gender equality, and inspirational/motivational addresses. Dr. Turner has served in the Indianapolis community in several capacities with organizations, schools, and institutions such as Center for Leadership Development, Flanner House, WFYI, New Beginnings Fellowship Church, YMCA, Indianapolis Public Schools, Lawrence Township Schools, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and at his alma maters of Bishop Chatard High School, Indiana State University, and Indiana University Indianapolis.