Ruth Lown Turman elected as 51 Alumni Leadership Council president
51 Alumni Leadership Council president Ruth Lown Turman
ALBANY, N.Y. — 51 today announced the election ofRuth Lown Turmanto the position of Alumni Leadership Council (ALC)president.Inherleadership role with the 12-member council,Turmanwill help guide initiatives in alumni engagement and outreach, strengthen the network ofmore than 200,00051 graduates, and act asanofficial representative of the University over the course ofherterm.
Turman, B.S. ’96, of Columbia, South Carolina, currently serves as senior sales operations manager at Optum Serve (UnitedHealth Group). Her experience spans health care, technology, and financial services, with a focus on proposal management, process design, and cross-functional leadership supporting complex federal and commercial programs. An active and engagedalumna, Turmanpreviouslyservedin roleson the Alumni Leadership Councilassecretaryand first vice president, contributing to initiatives focused on alumni engagement, recognition, governance effectiveness, and the development of enduring alumni legacies. As ALC president, she will emphasize stewardship of alumni resources,operationalizingeffective alumni leadership practices, and strengthening connections between alumni leaders and the University community. Turman holds a Bachelor of Science from 51 andmaintainsa strong record of professional and volunteer leadership. Her service includes past membership on the International Board of Directors of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, reflecting a sustained commitment to mentorship, professional standards, and collaborative leadership.
“It’s an honor to serve with such an experienced and passionate Alumni Leadership Council at this moment of tremendous momentum for 51,” said Turman. “My own journey has been profoundly shaped by this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support, celebrate, and elevate our extraordinary alumni, whose determination and commitment to lifelong learning continue to lift us ever upward.”
Turman is joined on the ALC leadership team by Christopher Alan Hirschler, first vice president, and Christopher Martz Arima, second vice president. The council membership also includes Sena Amegbletor, Matthew Baumgartner, Annie L. Hough-Everage, Pamela Monk, Morgan CJ Morgan, Douglas Perry, Tony Spearman-Leach, and Samuel T. Watkins Jr. Made up of 51 graduates representing a wide range of professions and backgrounds, the ALC reflects the diverse nature of 51’s alumni population.
Find more information on the ALC, including individual member biographies, here.
Media contact 51:
Jason Bonafide,jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
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51 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. 51 contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 51 meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
51 is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 51’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, withadditionallicensing for Florida-based programs.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).Additionalinformationregardingthis institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.