Turner Theological Seminary: #ELEV8ing Leaders of Tomorrow

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Turner Theological Seminary: A Legacy of Excellence and Leadership, Founding, and Early History (1894-1957)

 

Turner Theological Seminary, affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was established as the Department of Theology in Fountain Hall on the campus of Morris Brown College in 1894. In 1900, the Seminary was officially named in honor of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, the resident and senior bishop of the denomination. A pioneering leader, Bishop Turner became the first African American to serve as a U.S. Army chaplain in 1863, reflecting the Seminary's enduring commitment to leadership, innovation, and breaking barriers.

 

Alfred Steward, D.D., a former U.S. Army chaplain, was elected as the first Dean of Theology. Although the Rev. E. L. Chew was elected during the interim, the Rev. E. W. Lee, a former principal and later president of Morris Brown College, became the first to serve as dean. The inaugural student body consisted of twelve students.

 

In 1957, Turner Theological Seminary relocated from the Morris Brown College campus to its new facility at 557 Mitchell Street in Atlanta. Dr. George A. Sewell was appointed Director and Dean, providing leadership during Turner's transition into the newly established Interdenominational Theological Center consortium.

 

Interdenominational Theological Center Consortium (1958–2023)

 

From 1958 to 2023, Turner Theological Seminary was a founding member of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), a pioneering consortium of historically Black theological schools in Atlanta. Through this collaborative partnership, Turner strengthened its commitment to ecumenical theological education, academic excellence, and the preparation of Christian leaders for ministry, scholarship, and social justice.

 

The ITC era expanded opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, faculty collaboration, and shared institutional resources while preserving Turner's distinct identity as the theological seminary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

In 1975, Turner obtained its institutional charter and established a separate Board of Trustees under the leadership of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand, further strengthening its governance and institutional identity. During the ITC era, the Seminary benefited from the leadership of distinguished deans, including Dr. George A. Sewell, Dr. Josephus R. Coan, Dr. Cecil W. Cone, Dr. George L. Champion, and Dr. Clayton D. Wilkerson. This sixty-five-year partnership laid a strong foundation for Turner's continued growth and its eventual transition to an independent, stand-alone graduate theological institution.

 

Breaking Barriers: Honoring Pioneers and Milestones (1974 - 1985):

 

In 1974, Chaplain Alice Henderson, a Turner Theological Seminary graduate, became the first woman of color to serve as a chaplain in any branch of the U.S. military. This achievement continued the seminary's legacy of groundbreaking leadership initiated by Bishop Henry McNeal Turner.

 

Turner maintained a strong commitment to preparing clergy and leaders for effective ministry through a rigorous Afrocentric theological education. The seminary's dedication to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community engagement prepared its students to address contemporary challenges while promoting social justice and transformative leadership within the church and beyond.

 

Expansion and Growth Under Dr. Daniel W. Jacobs Sr. (1985-2008):

 

Reverend Daniel W. Jacobs Sr., D.Min., became dean in 1985, serving until 2008. Dr. Jacobs was elected to serve as the 6th Administrative Dean of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center under the Chairmanship of Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot. Construction of the Frederick Hilborn Talbot Hall began within a year of his appointment, with a budget of $2.8 million.

 

In 2004, Dr. Jacobs assumed the title “President-Dean” and retired from his academic career in 2008. During his tenure, Turner experienced significant growth, nearly tripling the institution’s enrollment from 40 students to 105 in a single year.

 

• Completed construction in October 1987, the facility featured offices, a chapel, a laundromat, a concession area, thirty-two dormitory rooms, twenty efficiencies, and five one-bedroom apartments.

 

• He initiated multiple capital improvements, including the erection of F.H. Talbot Hall, installing a computer lab, and increasing the institution’s budget from $300,000 to $1.2 million.

 

The enrollment at Turner more than doubled under Dr. Jacobs' leadership, showcasing the institution’s expanding influence. Over 300 persons received Master's and Doctorate degrees from Turner Theological Seminary.

 

Innovative Programming and Institutional Advancement Under Dr. John F. Green '84 (2008 - 2021): 

 

Turner alumnus Reverend John F. Green, D.Min., succeeded Dr. Jacobs as President-Dean. The Reverend Dr. John Frank Green was elected to serve as the 7th President-Dean of Turner Theological Seminary. Dr. Green's tenure was marked by innovative programming and a unique vision to enhance Turner's reputation as a leading institution for Christian ministry education. His initiatives included:

 

• Annual Founders' Observance: Expanded from a traditional Convocation to include an Alumni Symposium, a Pastors Conference, and the Turner Alumni Hall of Fame.

• Recognition and Fundraising: Highlighted alumni achievements and created additional platforms for fundraising to support the growing student body and curriculum development.

 

Dr. Green transitioned to the role of Executive Director of Global Ministries for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, leaving a legacy of excellence and institutional growth.

 

A New Era of Independence and Accreditation (2024–Present)

 

On October 2, 2023, under the leadership of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the Turner Theological Seminary Board of Trustees voted to pursue independent accreditation as a stand-alone institution. This historic decision marked the beginning of a new era of institutional autonomy and reaffirmed Turner's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

 

In 2024, Turner officially transitioned from the Interdenominational Theological Center to become an independent, stand-alone graduate theological institution. Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ammie L. Davis, the Seminary strengthened institutional effectiveness, expanded academic programs, modernized campus operations, enhanced governance, and advanced a comprehensive accreditation strategy designed to position Turner among the nation's leading graduate theological institutions.

 

Under the chairmanship of Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, the Board of Trustees provided strategic governance and steadfast support throughout Turner's accreditation journey. Through the collaborative leadership of the Board, administration, faculty, staff, and institutional stakeholders, Turner achieved historic milestones, including Candidate Status with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), Candidate Status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Associate Membership in the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

 

These achievements position Turner Theological Seminary among a select group of graduate theological institutions advancing simultaneously through three major accrediting bodies while remaining steadfast in its mission of preparing transformative Christian leaders for the Church and society. This new era reflects Turner's enduring commitment to institutional excellence, innovation, and faithful stewardship as it continues to build upon its historic legacy.

 

A New Era: Leadership of Dr. Ammie L. Davis '04 (2021–Present): 

 

On December 15, 2021, Turner Theological Seminary made history by confirming the Rev. Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D. ('04), as its eighth President and the first woman and first alumna to lead the institution. Under her visionary leadership, Turner has entered a transformative era marked by innovation, institutional growth, and historic achievement.

 

Dr. Davis has led significant campus renovations and technology enhancements, expanded graduate certificate programs and online education to serve students nationally and internationally, and strengthened academic quality and student success. She also initiated Turner's strategic transition to become a stand-alone accredited theological institution, advancing a culture of institutional effectiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

Dr. Davis has strengthened governance, expanded strategic partnerships, diversified institutional revenue, enhanced financial sustainability, and advanced enrollment growth while remaining steadfast in Turner's mission of preparing Christian leaders for ministry and service.

 

In recognition of her transformational leadership, the Board of Trustees unanimously extended Dr. Davis's contract for an additional five years on June 17, 2024, and elevated her title to President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reaffirming its confidence in her vision and positioning Turner Theological Seminary for continued excellence and lasting impact.

 

Turner Today: Continuing the Legacy

 

Today, Turner Theological Seminary stands as a premier graduate theological institution rooted in the rich legacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church while embracing a bold vision for the future.

 

Guided by the theme, Historic in Legacy. New in Vision., Turner advances academic excellence, spiritual formation, leadership development, and institutional innovation through residential, hybrid, and online education. With historic accreditation milestones, expanded academic programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Seminary continues preparing transformative Christian leaders to serve the Church and society for generations to come.

 

As Turner looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission of developing faithful, visionary, and justice-centered leaders who will make a lasting impact throughout the world.

 

Steadfast in Its Motto: "For a Prepared Ministry":

 

Turner remains steadfast in its commitment to its motto, "For a Prepared Ministry," honoring the vision of its founders to cultivate an institution dedicated to equipping young men and women for every aspect of Christian service. Turner graduates continue to make a profound impact, serving as chaplains, college and seminary professors, presidents, pastors, presiding elders, and leaders across various sectors, including civic and political arenas.

 

Among our notable alumni and alumnae now serving in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as bishops, pastors, professors, and chaplains include but are not limited to: Bishops: Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. (Retired), James Levert Davis, E. Earl McCloud, Samuel L. Green, Sr., Julius H. McAllister Sr. (Retired), Ronnie E. Brailsford, Reginald T. Jackson, Michael L. Mitchell, Stafford J.N. Wicker, Frederick Wright Sr., John F. White (Retired), Marvin C. Zanders II, Julius H. McAllister Jr., Gregory V. Eason, and Preston W. Williams, II (Retired). Academicians and Clergy: Drs. William Whatley, George Moore, Deborah Grant, Jacquelyn Grant, Terence Gray, Vincent Mitchell, Wesley Reid, David Green, Carolyn McCrary, John F. Green, Masod Evans, Ronald Slaughter, Kimberly Russaw, Anton Elwood, Tar-U-Way Bright, Robert Turner, Susan Buckson, and Robert Shaw. Chaplains: Monica Lawson, Maurice Buford, Regina Samuel, Addison Burgess, Dr. G. Diane Lewis, Dr. John Black, and Autumn Wilson. The current President & CEO is Dr. Ammie L. Davis.

 

Turner Today: Continuing the Legacy: 

 

Today, Turner Theological Seminary stands as a premier graduate theological institution rooted in the rich legacy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church while embracing a bold vision for the future.

 

Guided by the theme, Historic in Legacy. New in Vision., Turner is advancing academic excellence, spiritual formation, leadership development, and institutional innovation through residential, hybrid, and online education. With historic accreditation milestones, expanded academic programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Seminary is preparing transformative Christian leaders to serve the Church and society.