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Gift launches Ethics and Servant Leadership Program

Funded through a generous gift from William Bradley Turner of Columbus, Georgia, the Center for Ethics is inaugurating a vital new initiative this fall, the D. Abbott Turner Ethics and Servant Leadership (ESL) program. Linking volunteer service and service learning with academic studies in ethics and leadership, the program will bring lecturers and mentors to Emory who embody servant leadership at its best.

In conjunction with Leadership Emory and Volunteer Emory, and in partnership with Hands On Atlanta, this initiative will provide training and support for students and faculty engaging in volunteer, intern, and service-learning settings. Plans for the program include developing a minor in Ethics and Service Leadership for undergraduates and an inter-professional certificate for graduate-professional students. Through ESL, students and faculty at Emory will be challenged and supported in finding purpose for their lives that integrate civic and ethical leadership with a sense of calling. Andy Fleming will direct the development of the program, with Melissa Wiginton as assistant director.

Mr. Turner's gift establishing this work is a demonstration of his deep belief in and practice of servant leadership. The program is to be named in honor of Bill Turner's father, D. Abbott Turner (1892-1982). Don Abbott Turner married Elizabeth Bradley, daughter of W.C. and Sarah Bradley. During his long association with the W.C. Bradley Company, Turner served in many capacities, eventually becoming chairman of the board for Bradley, as well as for Columbus Bank and Trust Company. A man of immense business leadership strengths, he was a director of Coca-Cola, Georgia Power, and the Central Georgia Railroad Companies.

Mr. Turner found many ways to translate his business genius into far reaching philanthropies. As trustee of the W.C. and Sarah Bradley and the D.A. and Elizabeth B. Turner Foundations, he worked energetically to strengthen the cultural institutions of Columbus and to support higher education in the state of Georgia. At least seven colleges and universities are stronger today because of Turner's guiding interest. As Trustee of Emory and Wesleyan, and founder of endowed professorships at Emory's Oxford College and Candler School of Theology, he was a valued counselor to Methodist higher education. He was a founding and life member of the Candler Committee of 100. In the name of his wife, Elizabeth B. Turner, he established the Center for Continuing Education at Columbus College. On the Emory campus, Turner Village and the D. Abbott Turner Conference Center honor his name and contributions.

The Center for Ethics accepts this gift, in honor of D. Abbott Turner, with gladness and gratitude. In addition to providing the financial undergirding for this vital new venture, William Turner inspires us with his example, his friendship, and his valued counsel.

[ Posted by James Fowler at September 1, 1998 03:25 PM | More Ethics and Servant Leadership articles ]

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