MURFREESBORO — The
21st recipient of MTSU’s highest honor for black faculty was hailed
as a credit to her profession and a caring mentor to future members of her
profession.
Barbara Turnage, a professor of social work, was presented
with the John Pleas Faculty Award at a ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the
Hazlewood Dining Room of the James Union Building on campus.
The award is presented annually during Black History Month
to a black faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research
and service.
“The award is not about me,” said John Pleas, the retired psychology
professor for whom the honor is named, said to Turnage. “It’s about you. It’s
about all these individuals who are named on the back of the program that have
made contributions to the university.”
As a roomful of colleagues and admirers looked on, Turnage
was hailed by her colleagues for her research, teaching and community service.
Social work professor John Sanborn called her “fantastically collegial.”
A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Turnage has built a social work career that
has included providing social services for those with impaired and/or aging
parents, new mothers and families with physical and mental health needs.
She also has counseled methadone clients and individuals who were at risk
of harming themselves or others. This practical experience has informed her
teaching, mentoring and research.
“Her communication abilities are quite amazing, and her bubbly
personality is nothing short of infectious,” said Justin Bucchio, an associate professor
of social work.
In addition to her academic achievements, Turnage is vice chair of the
Board of Directors for Journeys in Community Living, a program that supports
adults with intellectual disabilities. She will assume the chair in fall 2017.
“Dr. Turnage exemplifies a passion for helping social work students
become self-driven, knowledgeable practitioners,” said Laura R. James, a
master’s degree candidate in social work from Murfreesboro. “She cares about
our academic performance and supports field opportunities commensurate with our
career interests.”
At MTSU, Turnage has served on MTSU’s Faculty Senate, the Forrest Hall
Review Committee, the Africana Studies Program Development Committee and the
International Education and Exchange Committee. She continues to serve on
multiple faculty, search, admissions and qualifying exam committees.
In accepting the award, Turnage called her family and colleagues to the
podium to share the moment with her.
“Everything we do is based on our foundation, based on people that
support us,” said Turnage. “I just wanted you to know my support system. These
are people that I know love me no matter what, no matter what I do or say. … I
can’t thank them enough for loving me.”
“From the college perspective, you’re the perfect faculty
member,” said Harold Whiteside, dean of the College of Behavioral and Health
Sciences.
For more information about the John Pleas Faculty Award, go
to http://www.mtsu.edu/aahm/john-pleas-award.php.
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