Teesside University launches Professor Jane Turner Legacy Programme to support future female leaders

Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, former Pro-Vice Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Engagement, was an influential business leader in the Tees Valley and a passionate advocate for young women in the region. In Jane’s memory, the University is now launching the Professor Jane Turner Legacy Programme, which will support future generations of students and further the impact of her life’s work.

Launching in autumn 2022, the programme will initially award an annual Scholarship of £3,000 to an exceptional female undergraduate student from the Tees Valley, applying to Teesside University International Business School. Scholars will be expected to demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and an interest in business and innovation and will receive access to a mentor as well as a package of support from the University’s esteemed Launchpad business incubator facility.

The Scholarship echoes Jane’s efforts to raise aspirations amongst girls and young women in the Tees Valley, complementing the work of the Power of Women Campaign which she founded alongside fellow business leaders in the region.

In addition to the undergraduate scholarship, the programme will also see the launch of The Professor Jane Turner Studentship, providing one fully-funded PhD opportunity to an outstanding doctoral candidate.

Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: “Jane was a phenomenal driving force for change and a real inspiration to so many. Her passion to make a difference and her uncompromising approach to tackling gender inequality had a transformative effect and clear impact across the region.

“We are honoured to launch this programme in Jane’s memory, to further the work she championed. This Scholarship supports Jane’s vision to create greater opportunity and ambition amongst future generations. I am confident that through this programme, Scholars will be inspired to demand change and lead by example, in exactly the way Jane did.”

The University is also pleased to accept the generous donation of Jane’s personal collection of business and leadership books, consisting of eighty-two titles which have been gifted to the University by Jane’s family. The books will be made available to students within a special ‘Professor Turner Collection’ on the third floor of the University Library.

Harriet Welther, daughter of Professor Jane Turner, said: “My Mum would have been so very humble if she knew these scholarships were being awarded in her name. She often commented how her work was like her oxygen and helped sustain her through challenging times.

“She was extremely passionate about business and entrepreneurship and was especially driven to create opportunities and raise aspirations for girls and women from the Tees Valley. These scholarships are a touching tribute to her and we, as a family, are extremely proud, as well as thankful to the University for continuing her legacy.”

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