FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – After establishing one of the most dominant championship cultures in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association history, Dr. Inez Turner has officially turned in her whistle to focus exclusively on serving Fayetteville State University Athletics as its full-time Senior Woman Administrator.
A Jamaican Olympian, Hall of Fame athlete, and proven championship builder, Turner leaves the coaching ranks as one of the most decorated coaches in CIAA history. Since arriving at Fayetteville State in 2017, she guided the Broncos' cross country and track & field programs to 28 CIAA championships while earning 28 CIAA Coach of the Year honors, transforming Fayetteville State into a conference powerhouse.
Turner's impact extends far beyond championships. Her leadership helped establish a culture centered on excellence, accountability, academic achievement, and student-athlete development. Now, instead of influencing a single program, her experience and vision will help shape every sport within the Broncos athletic department.
"Dr. Turner has spent her career building championship programs and developing young people into successful leaders," said Director of Athletics Anthony T. Bennett. "The same standards of excellence that produced conference championships, Coach of the Year awards, and nationally respected programs will now be available to every team in our department. Her expertise in leadership, student-athlete development, compliance, and competitive success is unmatched. This transition allows Fayetteville State Athletics to benefit from her championship mindset on a broader scale, and I couldn't be more excited about the impact she will have across our entire department."
Turner, who competed for Jamaica in the 1996 Olympic Games and captured numerous international and collegiate accolades during her athletic career, said the opportunity to serve student-athletes in an expanded leadership role is both humbling and rewarding.
"I am truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity to serve Fayetteville State University in a greater capacity," Turner said. "Coaching has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I will always cherish the relationships, memories, and championships we built together. As I transition fully into my role as Senior Woman Administrator, I am excited to support all of our programs and help ensure that every student-athlete has the resources, guidance, and opportunities needed to succeed. My passion has always been serving students, and I look forward to making a positive impact on their lives both on and off the field of competition."
Turner's tenure at Fayetteville State produced unprecedented success, including seven women's cross country championships, multiple men's cross country titles, six consecutive CIAA women's indoor track & field championships, and multiple women's outdoor track & field crowns. Her programs consistently set the standard within the CIAA while producing conference award winners, champions, and leaders.
Before arriving at Fayetteville State, Turner also enjoyed tremendous success at Winston-Salem State University, where she won nine CIAA championships and earned eight CIAA Coach of the Year honors. Her distinguished athletic career includes NCAA national championships at Texas State University, induction into multiple halls of fame, and international medals representing Jamaica.
As Senior Woman Administrator, Turner will continue to be an integral part of Fayetteville State Athletics, helping guide departmental initiatives, supporting coaches and student-athletes, and advancing the university's commitment to excellence.
While the whistle may be retired, the championship leadership that defined Turner's coaching career will continue to shape the future of Fayetteville State Athletics for years to come.
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