Eboni Ford Turnbow, Ph.D.

Regional Director, Region VI

Vice President for Student Affairs,
California State University, Channel Islands

Dr. Eboni Ford Turnbow is known to many as a mentor, sister, colleague, and friend. Dr. Ford Turnbow, also known as Dr. FT, currently serving as the Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University Channel Islands, is a distinguished scholar and leader in higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Wayne State University (WSU), specializing in the intersection of gender and work in higher education. Complementing her doctoral studies, she holds an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University and a B.S. in Secondary Education and Health from WSU.

Within the realm of student affairs, Dr. Ford Turnbow has held notable roles and responsibilities. She most recently served as the Co-Chair of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Womxn in Student Affairs (WISA) Knowledge Community and as the Co-Chair for the Region VI Undergrad Fellows Institute at the 2023 Western Regional Conference. Prior to these roles within NASPA, she participated in NASPA’s fourth cohort of the SERVE Academy, served as Research and Scholarship Co-Chair for WISA, and served as the Region VI 2022 Sponsorship Co-Chair.

As a published author, Dr. FT’s work delves into critical issues facing marginalized communities in academia, as demonstrated in her co-authored book chapter, "When Intersections Collide: Young Black Women Combat Sexism, Racism, and Ageism in Higher Education" (2019). Recognized for her impactful research, Dr. Ford Turnbow was honored with the Ruth Strange Award from the Center for Women Board in 2022 for her study on Gender and Work in Student Affairs. Her commitment to mentorship and advocacy extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her recognition as the National Greek Advisor of the Year by Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, in 2018.

Dr. FT's dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering community within higher education is evident through her extensive involvement in conferences and professional organizations. Previously, she contributed her expertise to the Education Advisory Group national board for the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) and served as Past President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Michigan. She has also presented at conferences hosted by various professional associations, including the Association of Fraternal Leadership Values (AFLV), Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), and the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP).

She remains engaged in her community as a proud financial and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.