WC NEWS

Service to students took center stage Tuesday at Weatherford College’s annual Presidential Luncheon, where John Turntine, director of student engagement, received the 2026 Presidential Service Award.

The award is the institution's highest annual recognition for service and spotlights an employee whose commitment to students and the college community exemplifies service above and beyond the call of duty.

In remarks before a crowd of students, employees, trustees, donors and community leaders, WC President Tod Allen Farmer said selecting the recipient required reflecting on numerous examples of service across the college, from disaster relief efforts and student support initiatives to community volunteer projects.

Among all of the potential awardees, one individual stood apart for a sustained commitment to helping students succeed.

“For many years, John has advised more Weatherford College students than any other advisor,” Farmer said. “Students line up outside his office because they trust him to take care of them.”

In fact, ensuring Turntine attended the event required the Student Services Office to be completely closed for a short time. During special events like the Presidential Luncheon and the semi-annual in-service events, the Student Services Office tends to work with a skeleton crew, which includes Turntine staying behind to help any students who may come in.

For the 2025-26 academic year, Turntine spoke with students more than 6,000 times either in his office or over the phone. Adam Finley, executive dean of student services, said that is more than double what any other advisor averages in a year.

“Students are drawn to Mr. Turntine because of his authenticity and the genuine care he shows for each of them,” Finley said.

Turntine said he connects with the students by being genuine.

“Service to the students is important to me,” he said. “Making sure they can meet their goals in whatever pathway they want to go on. So, for me, receiving this award made me feel good about knowing that listening to the students and putting their needs first is important.”

The luncheon also featured recognition for Dena Gibson, who received a Presidential Core Value Coin. The award reflects the college's core values of faith, hope and love, which Farmer described as foundational to WC's culture.

Farmer praised her daily interactions with students and colleagues, calling her “a beacon of positivity.”

“Her kindness and positive demeanor are a breath of fresh air for students seeking assistance,” he said.

Beyond the individual honors, Farmer used the luncheon to highlight WC’s continued growth and accomplishments including seven consecutive long semesters of record enrollment, a 35% year to date increase in scholarship funding and that 88% of WC students now receive grants or scholarships.

He also announced that construction of the Student Union remains on schedule and under budget. The project includes a new one-stop student services center designed to streamline access to student resources and support services and is expected to be completed in February 2028.

Farmer challenged students, employees and community supporters to continue building on the college's momentum through new partnerships, expanded educational opportunities and a shared commitment to student success.

“Together, we march forward into a new era of Weatherford College,” Farmer said. “Together, we carry on the great traditions of this noble institution. Together, we create another exciting chapter in the distinguished history of Weatherford College.”