Hartford International University for Religion and Peace Welcomes New President

Dr. Sherry Turner has officially taken the reins this summer as president of Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU). She succeeds Joel N. Lohr, who led HIU since 2018.

Dr. Turner was recently the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. She is also an alum of HIU’s Black Ministries Program and, since 2023, has been a member of the HIU Board of Trustees.

In a message to the HIU community this month, Dr. Turner shared these thoughts:

“HIU holds a unique place in the world of higher education. It is a place where faith meets intellect, where scholarship advances understanding, and where people of all backgrounds come together in pursuit of peace, justice, and hope.

 HIU’s mission — to prepare leaders for the complexities of religiously diverse societies and to advance peace through interreligious dialogue and education — is not only inspiring, it is urgent. In a world grappling with conflict, polarization, and inequality, we need institutions that create space for authentic conversation, critical inquiry, and transformative action. HIU is such a place.”

Dr. Turner will be the first African American and the third woman to lead HIU.  She earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also holds a master's degree in developmental psychology from North Carolina State University, a master's in theological studies from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and a bachelor's degree in psychology-anthropology and sociology from Rhodes.

“As President,” she explained, “I am committed to advancing HIU’s legacy of innovation and excellence. We will build on our strategic successes, deepen our partnerships with global faith communities, grow our academic programs, and welcome more students into our inclusive and courageous learning environment. We will also work together — faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and friends — to envision a bold future that reflects the sacred responsibility of our mission.”

 Dr. Turner added “Whether you are a prospective student, a faith leader, a donor, or a curious soul seeking community and meaning — you are welcome here. I invite you to explore all that Hartford International has to offer and consider how your journey might become part of ours.”

A native of Memphis, she has led Rhodes’ efforts to achieve strategic goals and foster inclusive excellence. Before that, Dr. Turner served as the Director of Institutional Success and Support for UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB). She also served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Consortium.

In the AUC position, Dr. Turner led joint strategic initiatives for Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine. She was a founder and director of the AUC’s Communiversity, a lifelong learning institute that connects colleges and communities.

At Spelman College, Dr. Turner served as Vice President for Student Affairs and as the President's Chief of Staff. From 1990 to 2002, she worked at Mount Holyoke College as a faculty member, academic dean, and ombudsperson.

A Trustee committee began the task of looking for a new president last summer after President Lohr announced he would be leaving. Clare Feldman, Chair of the HIU Board of Trustees, spoke to the importance of building on what President Lohr has accomplished.

“Dr. Turner brings to HIU her extensive academic background, life-changing experience as an HIU alum and commitment to peace through interreligious dialogue. She will build on what President Lohr and other presidents have done while leading us into the future.”

During his seven years at HIU’s helm, President Lohr has overseen some seismic changes, including the renaming of the institution from Hartford Seminary to Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. The Board of Trustees has named him President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Religion.

“I commend our visionary Board of Trustees on their perpetual pursuit of excellence and innovation,” President Lohr said this spring. “Hiring Dr. Sherry Turner, an accomplished scholar and teacher of psychology, a highly successful university administrator, and an incredibly kind human being who holds a master’s degree in theology – and an alum of our own Black Ministries Program, no less – is an accomplishment I could not have imagined possible."

In addition to being President, Dr. Turner will serve as Professor of Psychology and Practice at HIU. Ecumenical at heart, Dr. Turner was raised and ordained in the Baptist church. Her experiences in ministry and the academy, particularly with diverse communities, sparked her passion to work in interfaith settings.

“I treasure this opportunity to provide leadership to solidify HIU’s position as the nation’s leading resource for interreligious education, research, and peace studies,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with our Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, and students to create a shared vision and roadmap for doing so.”

“Living in Hartford will be a new experience for me,” she said. “I’m eager to begin exploring the city and learning about its diverse faith communities, building connections, and embracing all that this region has to offer.”