Biography Dr. Paaige Turner
Dr. Turner serves as the Provost and Executive Vice President at Aurora University, located in Aurora, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Before joining Aurora University in July 2024, she spent six years as Dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media at Ball State University. Dr. Turner began her higher education career at St. Louis University in 1998."

"An experienced higher education administrator and communication scholar, Dr. Turner has an extensive background in gender in the workplace, strategic planning, mentoring, change management, budgeting, education technology, and international education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a Doctorate in Communication from Purdue University.

Key Topics of Discussion

• Question 1. Paaige, let’s start with some background on Aurora University. Can you give us an overview of the institution and how it has evolved over the years?
• Question  2. Small colleges often struggle with undergraduate enrollment and brand differentiation in a competitive market. Yet, Aurora University has maintained stable undergraduate enrollment over the past five years. What strategies have been particularly effective in attracting and retaining students? Talk about your strong Latino student population.
• Question 3. Aurora University has a significant presence in online education alongside its traditional on-campus programs. Can you share insights into how Aurora developed its online offerings? When did the university enter the online space, and how has enrollment in these programs evolved? What are some of the most popular online programs?
• Question 4. Small colleges thrive on strong community and alumni connections. How does Aurora University foster relationships with its alumni and the local community? Are there particular initiatives that have been especially impactful?
• Question 5. You came to Aurora University after serving as a Dean at Ball State, a much larger institution. What attracted you to Aurora, and how has your first year as Provost compared to your expectations? What have been the biggest surprises or challenges in transitioning to a leadership role at a smaller university?
• Question 6. Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges facing small private colleges like Aurora University in the next decade? How should institutions be preparing for these changes?