Betty Brown Turner

A native of Annapolis, Maryland, Betty Brown Turner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1962 followed by a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1981 from Bowie State University (then Bowie State College). She began her career in Annapolis as an elementary classroom teacher in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools System (AACPS) and retired after 30 years of service. During her tenure in the AACPS, she served 20 years as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher and in the Alternative to Expulsion Program. The last ten years of her tenure, she served as a Pupil Personnel Worker, working with children experiencing difficulties – educationally, emotionally, and/or behaviorally.

A community leader and advocate, Ms. Turner was active on all levels of the National Education Association (NEA), initiating the Teacher’s Association of Anne Arundel County’s (TAAAC) Minority Affairs Committee and its Affirmative Action Plan. She represented TAAAC members at 14 national conventions. Additionally, she chaired the TAAAC Human Relations Committee, Maryland State Teachers Association’s Minority Affairs and Resolutions Committees and served a three-year term on the Annapolis Human Relations Committee. She also served as a past Annapolis Transportation Advisory Board member.

Betty Brown Turner is a shining example of a loyal partner in giving to her alma mater. Under her leadership as president of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association (1998-2000), a campaign was launched to raise funds to purchase the historic Goodloe Alumni House. During the fall of 2000, a gift of approximately $90,000 was raised from alumni. A $220,000 grant from the Department of the Interior was secured in 2001 and shortly thereafter, the university purchased the historic Goodloe property. As a committed leadership donor to the 1865 Society, Goodloe Circle, Ms. Turner continues to challenge fellow alumni to give back and stay connected to the university. Today, student programs, athletics, and the College of Education, are all impacted by her generosity.

Betty Brown Turner never misses a beat and continues to serve tirelessly where needed. Today she still serves on the College of Education Advisory Board, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Annapolis and the Anne Arundel County Board. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a life member of the NAACP. She is also a lifetime member of the BSU National Alumni Association and served on the BSU Foundation Board from 1998-2011. Most recently, she received the Torch of Truth Award during the Bowie State University Sesquicentennial Founders Day Awards Gala last year.

Ms. Turner is the proud mother of two loving daughters. She has two wonderful grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter.