Ralph Turner '74

Dr. Ralph Turner ’74 is proud to serve on the Cabinet of the upcoming Capital Campaign. Dr. Turner’s family has a long history with McMurry University. His grandfather was McMurry’s fifth President, Rev. Frank L. Turner, Sr. DD. His father, Rev. Frank L. Turner, Jr. graduated in 1943 and his mother Mary Blanche Hooks Turner Hext is a McMurry ex of 1943 and still attends many McMurry events. Ralph’s brother, Gary also attended McMurry graduating in 1977. Gary currently serves as Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Euless, TX. and his wife Carol Criswell Turner also graduated from McMurry in 1977.

Dr. Turner’s attitude of giving and service to McMurry has been shaped by his family’s strong ties to the university and by their example. “The concept of giving was instilled in my brother and me by my parents and grandparents,” says Turner. That example influenced one of the first financial decisions that he and his wife Karen (ex ’72) made, and that was to tithe. “God has blessed us in many ways,” Dr. Turner said. One way that Dr. Turner’s family has shared with McMurry is through the Turner Family Professorship in Religion and Philosophy. An additional focus of the family has been to endow memorial scholarships on behalf of both sets of grandparents. In addition, the Turner family is working on a scholarship in memory of Dr. Turner’s father, Rev. Frank L. Turner, Jr. ’43.

When asked why he chose to serve on the McMurry Campaign Cabinet in the midst of a busy career, Dr. Turner responded, “This campaign will provide an opportunity for the McMurry family, friends and alumni from past decades to come back and see something that rekindles their spirit and love for ‘dear old McMurry’.” In looking toward the future, he applauds this campaign’s commitment to science and mathematics, in building on the historic strength of our university and providing a facility for 21st century scientists. In addition, he believes the Campaign’s emphasis on Christian discipleship will make McMurry unique among United Methodist institutions in the country.

Dr. Turner would like to encourage older members of the McMurry family to “come home.” “You will find something on the campus that will remind you of what you remember about McMurry—excelling through hard work, dreaming, and determination and accomplishing what you can ‘imagine’!” Dr. Turner also has a message for younger members of the McMurry family, stating that “the McMurry family has a wonderful opportunity during our lifetime to build the great university that we want McMurry to be…through what we can ‘imagine’!” Dr. Turner believes that this is a great time in the life of the university, and growth and rejuvenation are evident. “There is a wonderful spirit on campus,” continues Dr. Turner. “I want to tell all alumni that this campaign is comprehensive and addresses all of the areas of the campus.” Dr. Turner cites the recent success of the Band Hall campaign and the renovation of athletic facilities in attracting new contributors who have not played a major philanthropic role in the past. He also commends the new Furr Welcome Center as a gift that “heralds a lifetime of Christian stewardship and dedication of talents in educating West Texans.”

Dr. Turner is honored to have this opportunity to serve on the Campaign Cabinet. “I am humbled to accept the opportunity to serve ‘our dear McMurry.’”