Nazareth College Commencement speaker Ruth B. Turner addresses graduates May 13 and 14

A champion of children and families who supervises education in the state as a member of the Board of Regents will be Nazareth’s Commencement speaker on May 13 and 14, 2022. Ruth B. Turner '98, is an educator and a social worker committed to the principles of restorative practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Nazareth and the College will give Turner the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during Commencement.

Turner’s commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life rooted in her experience immigrating to the U.S. as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life. Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social worker, she graduated from the Rochester City School District and attended Nazareth College as a first-generation student. Turner never forgot the power of support in mitigating the effects of adverse events in childhood and how that can help individuals reach their fullest potential. 

After earning a bachelor of science in social work degree, she went on to receive a master of social work from the University of Buffalo, and a master of science in education from SUNY Brockport. She is a licensed clinical social worker who has served the profession for more than 24 years.

For more than 13 years she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, director, and executive director for student support service. Additionally, she served as the chief for student support and social emotional learning. Under her administrative leadership with the Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families. In her tenure, she led the revision of the student code of conduct. She also led the district in adopting restorative justice initiatives in terms of student discipline, and was a key leader of anti-racism work for the district.

Prior to joining RCSD she led the foster care and adoption unit for the Urban League of Rochester. She also spent several years as a trainer for the Center for the Development of Human Services where she focused on child welfare services.

She has more than 15 years of experience as a DEI and racial equity consultant and educator, partnering with many agencies, organizations, and educational institutions.

Turner was reappointed to the New York State Board of Regents in March 2022. 

Turner is married to William R. Turner Jr., Ph.D, assistant professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together they have three children. 

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2022 April
• more news:
• Campus Life
• Graduate