Shirley Turner

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Shirley came to Western Baptist College in the late 80s to study music and people. Her choice to attend WBC was influenced by others having gone before her, but also from the personal visits of faculty and staff, as well as Master’s Touch, the college’s traveling vocal ensemble, visiting her home church.

After graduating from Corban, she spent several years in ministry alongside her husband, Steel (’90), in California before God stirred a move back to Oregon to complete and raise their family. Through these years, Shirley took opportunities to teach, speak, and lead in women’s, youth, and worship ministries while also building and maintaining a successful business at home. In 2014, Shirley was hired to support specialized student education at several middle schools in the Salem-Keizer School district where her “mom degree” played a significant role in her work with students, equipping her to walk into a room and know what needed to be done.

Tucked inside of all Shirley’s life experiences is the theme of rapport with people, both in business and ministry. “I have a genuine interest in people. All people share a common desire to be listened to and shown kindness and dignity. When these needs are met, people respond.”

Shirley, her husband, Steel, and several other family members have attended Corban over the last 30+ years. Shirley says, “I deeply respect and believe in Corban’s mission and the people within its culture. My student experience remains some of the best years of my life. Every time I step onto campus, even now, I maintain a sense of gratefulness and attachment to those formative years. It’s a joy serving University alumni and developing relationships with Corban parents.”

Advancement Team