Turner Theological Seminary: A Legacy of Excellence and Leadership

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Founding and Early History (1894 - 1957)

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Turner Theological Seminary, affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was established as a 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 at the time. Bishop Turner, a pioneering leader, became the first African American to serve as a U.S. Army Chaplain in 1863, embodying the seminary’s commitment to breaking barriers and promoting leadership.

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Alfred Steward, D.D., a former U.S. Army chaplain, was elected as the first dean of theology. Though the Rev. E. L. Chew was elected in the interim, the Rev. E. W. Lee, a former principal and later president of Morris Brown College, became the first to serve as dean of theology. The inaugural student body comprised twelve individuals. 

 

In 1957, Turner Theological Seminary moved from the Morris Brown College campus to a newly acquired building at 557 Mitchell Street, marking a new chapter in its history.

Dr. George A. Sewell was appointed as Director/Dean, guiding Turner into this collaborative theological consortium.

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A charter for Turner Theological Seminary was obtained in 1975, and a separate Board of Trustees was elected under the leadership of Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand. The role of dean was later held by distinguished leaders including Dr. Josephus R. Coan, Dr. Cecil W. Cone, Dr. George L. Champion, and Dr. Clayton D. Wilkerson.

 

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

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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.

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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)

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Reverend Daniel W. Jacobs Sr, DMin, 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 would assume the title “President-Dean” and retire from his academic career in 2008.  During his tenure, Turner experienced significant growth, he almost tripled the institution’s enrollment from 40 students to 105 in a given year. 

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• 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 and Doctorate degrees from Turner Theological Seminary

 

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

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Turner alumnus Reverend John F. Green, DMin, succeeded Dr. Jacobs as President-Dean. The Reverend Dr. John Frank Green was elected to serves 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:

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• 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.

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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 Chapter: Leadership of Dr. Ammie L. Davis '04 (2021 - Present)

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On December 15, 2021, Turner Theological Seminary made history by confirming the selection of The Reverend Ammie L. Davis, Ph.D., an alumna, as the first woman to lead the institution as the 8th Denominational Dean. Dr. Davis launched transformative initiatives, including:

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• Renovation Projects: Undertook significant upgrades.

• New Certificate Programs: Expanded academic offerings to global districts.

• Strategic Independence: Initiated the process of becoming a stand-alone accredited institution.

• Growth in Enrollment and Revenue: Achieved notable increases, demonstrating effective leadership.

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On June 17, 2024, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed its confidence in Dr. Davis by extending her contract for five more years and elevating her title to President & CEO. This decision highlighted her exceptional vision and leadership, positioning Turner for a promising future.

 

Pursuing Independent Accreditation: A Bold Step Forward (2023 -Present)

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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 underscored Turner’s vision of achieving autonomy and expanding its academic impact.

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In March 2024, Turner officially notified the Interdenominational Theological Center of its decision to pursue independent accreditation. The seminary reached another significant milestone in April 2024, receiving approval from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC), further advancing its journey toward full accreditation.

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Turner Theological Seminary is actively pursuing full accreditation through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Achieving these accreditations will affirm Turner’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional integrity, and its mission of preparing transformative leaders for the church and community.

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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, Dr. Ammie L. Davis.

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​Turner Today: Continuing the Legacy

 

Today, Turner Theological Seminary stands as a beacon of Afrocentric theological education, continuing its mission to prepare clergy and leaders for effective ministry. With a firm commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community impact, Turner remains dedicated to addressing contemporary challenges while promoting social justice and transformative leadership in the church and beyond. Today, Turner Theological Seminary stands as a beacon of Afrocentric theological education, continuing its mission to prepare clergy and leaders for effective ministry. With a firm commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community impact, Turner remains dedicated to addressing contemporary challenges while promoting social justice and transformative leadership in the church and beyond.