Dr. Leah Turner Named Assistant Director for Career Development

Dr. Leah Turner has been named Assistant Director for Career Development at Texas A&M, Director of Athletics Scott Woodward announced Friday. Turner, who has been with the Aggie athletic department since May while serving as an academic mentor in the Nye Academic Center, began her new role earlier this week.
 
"I would like to thank the entire Aggie family for affording me an opportunity to join the progressive student-athlete engagement initiatives on the campus of Texas A&M University," said Dr. Turner. "It is my honor and privilege to support these revolutionary efforts while maintaining rich traditions."

 

Prior to her move to Texas A&M, Dr. Turner worked in the Office of Academic Affairs at West Virginia State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 2007 and earned a master's degree in 2009. She completed her doctorate at Ohio University in 2017. Dr. Turner also served as an assistant volleyball coach for three-plus years at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.
 
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Medicine and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from West Virginia State, Turner attained a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education from Ohio University.
 
"As a former student-athlete, as well as an assistant coach on the collegiate level, Dr. Turner brings to our staff an informed viewpoint and keen knowledge of student-athlete development in various areas," said Woodward. "Her perspective and experience makes her singularly qualified for the role that she is undertaking."
 
Dr. Turner's role as Assistant Director for Career Development will include leading, creating and implementing all aspects of a career development program, including communication and strategic planning. She will emphasize developing partnerships with internal and external constituencies, which involves networking and building relationships with the Aggie Network, community leaders, potential employers, and corporate recruiters to ensure the needs of all student-athletes are understood.
 
In many instances, Dr. Turner's engagement will begin during the recruiting process and extend beyond graduation. She will also conduct research that will influence student-athlete engagement programming and assessments to demonstrate the efficacy of all initiatives.
 
Dr. Turner is a native of Norwalk, Ohio. As a member of the West Virginia State volleyball team, she served as team captain in 2004 and 2005. Athletic honors included first-team All-WVIAC, WVIAC All-Freshman team, and WVIAC All-Tournament team along with a collection of 14 all-time school records.