November 4, 2011
A. Joseph Turner, Jr., Ph.D.
Baltimore, MD - ABET, the recognized accrediting body for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, announced that A. Joseph Turner, Jr., Ph.D., was named as the 2011 recipient of ABET's Linton E. Grinter Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Turner accepted the award during the 2011 ABET Annual Awards Banquet in Baltimore, MD.
A Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Clemson University, Dr. Turner is the 34th recipient of the Grinter award, ABET's highest honor. The award is named for Linton E. Grinter, a pioneer in engineering and technology education, and recognizes ABET volunteers who follow Grinter's example and surpass even the highest service expectations of the organization. See a list of past Grinter Award recipients.
The citation accompanying Dr. Turner’s award stated,
"For outstanding leadership in computing accreditation worldwide, including more than 25 years of service to ABET and CSAB, and for being a catalyst behind the growth of computing accreditation in the United States over the last 25 years."
Dr. Turner's accreditation activities include leadership positions in the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) since 1986 and within ABET since the two organizations integrated in 2000. He served on ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) and then as a Member-at-Large on the commission's Executive Committee. Dr. Turner was named a Fellow of ABET in 2007.
After service in the CAC, Dr. Turner became a member of ABET's Accreditation Council Training Committee in 2008 and chaired the committee from 2009 to 2011. He has provided significant leadership and influence in developing the current program evaluator training model and, at present, serves as Lead Facilitator for the professional development of ABET's program evaluators.
In addition, Dr. Turner was instrumental in creating the Seoul Accord for worldwide computing accreditation, of which ABET is a signatory, and serves as the agreement's founding chair.
About ABET
ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, is a federation of 31 professional and technical societies representing these fields. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for more than 75 years.
ABET currently accredits over 3,100 programs at more than 600 colleges and universities worldwide. More than 2,000 dedicated volunteers participate annually in ABET activities. ABET also provides leadership internationally through workshops, memoranda of understanding, and mutual recognition agreements, such as the Washington Accord. ABET is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.