Emery Turner

Emery grew up in Kansas City, and graduated first in his class with a bachelors degree in economics from Central Missouri State University in 1954. He served four years as a Marine Corps officer in the Far East during the Korean War, and then enrolled in the MBA program at Washington University in 1958. Upon earning his master's degree in 1960, Emery worked for two years as a construction manager before returning to Washington University for doctoral studies. Emery joined UMSL in 1962 as the first full-time instructor in economics and business. He became the founding dean of the UMSL School of Business and led the school to accreditation in record time for both its undergraduate and graduate programs. In 1974 Dr. Turner became Interim Chancellor at UMSL. In 1976 he left UMSL to become Vice President at the University of Tulsa. Later in his career Dr. Turner served as Dean of the School of Business at St. Louis University and Grand Valley State University, leading both schools in the accreditation process. He was also instrumental in initiating a new university in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and served as the school's first provost. Turner was a Fulbright Fellow in Taipei, Taiwan, past president of the Metropolitan Tulsa YMCA, and board member of several charitable organizations and small start up companies. He has been recognized for outstanding teaching and service by the alumni associations in each university in which he has served. Emery's wife, Regina, holds a masters degree in education from UMSL, and is past president of UMSL Women's Club. She and Emery have three children (one a UMSL graduate) and seven grandchildren.