Dr. Misha Turner currently serves as director of student success at Houston Community College. Her primary responsibilities involve providing support for the college’s district-wide student success and completion efforts and all educational activities to achieve the goals established by the institution, with a specific emphasis on decision support related to the student experience. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology, a second master’s degree in higher education administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a doctorate in educational administration with a specialization in community college leadership from The University of Texas at Austin in May of 2003.
Over the past three decades in higher education, Dr. Turner has served in various Instructional and student services leadership roles involving oversight for a wide range of strategic planning and faculty development initiatives to advance student learning, engagement, and success. She has also served on a national level working with college leaders across the country in providing guidance on data use to improve student outcomes through professional development activities, which have included serving as a champion for equity and evidence-based practice.
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, Education Administration l The University of Texas at Austin
Master of Science Degree | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Master of Science Degree – Sociology l Texas A&M University-Commerce
Bachelor of Science Degree – Sociology l Texas A&M University-Commerce
Past Experience:
Director, Student Success Decision Support | Houston Community College
Associate Director, College Relations | Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) at The University of Texas at Austin
Assistant Dean, Center for Teaching & Learning l Moraine Valley Community College
Assistant to the Director l National Institute for Staff and Organization Development (NISOD) – The University of Texas at Austin
Associate Director, Human Resources and EEO l Texas A&M University – Commerce
How has education changed your life/your family?
From my standpoint, education has always represented a key to a better life. I can remember my grandmother saying, “You get your education, and no one can take it away from you.” Education has opened doors for my family and me in ways that I do not believe would have opened as quickly had I not attained an education. Getting my education has paved the way for me to be in a position to give back to the students who I serve who were just like me —attending college with the desire to fulfill their many educational hopes and dreams.