Indianapolis, Ind. – Marian University is proud to announce the launch of the Black Leadership Initiative (BLI), a transformative program aimed at equipping Black students with experiences, knowledge, and opportunities to become influential leaders within their communities and excel in their academic pursuits at Marian University. This program represents a continuation in Marian’s commitment to living out its Catholic Franciscan identity by providing leaders our community needs to thrive for generations to come.
John Turner, Ph.D. has been appointed as the inaugural Executive Director of the Black Leadership Initiative. With a deep passion for education and a proven track record in leadership development and student support, Dr. Turner brings a wealth of experience and vision to this role. Under his leadership, the BLI will provide students with mentorship, professional development, community engagement opportunities, and scholarships, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead with confidence and integrity.
“The Black Leadership Initiative is more than just a program; it’s a movement that will empower our students to achieve their highest potential,” said Dr. Turner. “I am honored to lead this initiative and to work with our students as they embark on their journeys to become transformational leaders. I aim to create an environment of inclusive belonging for Marian’s Black students focusing on recruiting, retaining, and supporting their success. Together with God, faculty, staff, and the Indianapolis community, we will empower these students to apply their education in ways that demonstrate our Franciscan values in their careers and communities."
Dr. Kenith Britt, Chancellor of Marian University Indianapolis, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the BLI in shaping the future of Marian and the broader community. “The Black Leadership Initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to educate the whole person and to prepare our students to lead in service to the world,” said Dr. Britt. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Turner at the helm of this initiative, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and our community.”
Dr. Turner has 13 years of experience in higher education, serving in various leadership positions. Dr. Turner is also the recipient of “The Black Man Can” Award in Higher Education and the Sigma Alpha Pi Excellence in Teaching Award. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Dr. Turner earned his bachelor’s degree in electronics technology and his master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Indiana State University. He earned his Ph.D. in urban education studies from Indiana University – Indianapolis.
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About Marian University
Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including 4,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students, earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum provides hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities. Marian University has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a national doctoral/professional university. In 2013, Marian University established its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first new school of medicine in Indiana in more than 100 years, and in 2023, opened the new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering as part of the university’s continuing efforts to graduate students that help meet the Midwest’s growing STEM workforce needs. The university also provides undergraduate nursing education at Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, various track and field events, and nearly 50 USA Cycling national championships. Follow Marian University on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Tik Tok and Twitter.