Theodore Turner, A Voice for ISU's Future

As we approach commencement in our 125th year, we look back in celebration of the foundational leaders that worked tirelessly, even without knowing it at the time, to secure a future for the graduates of today. Theodore Francis Turner was not only the founder of Idaho State University—he was one of its greatest champions. 

Turner first started planning the school in 1889 when the University of Idaho was started, stating to his wife that “if Idaho ever honor[ed him] with a seat in its legislature, [he would] establish a school of higher learning at Pocatello.”

Idaho did honor him with a seat in the legislature, and in turn, he wrote Idaho House Bill #53, which was signed by Governor Frank W. Hunt on March 11, 1901. This bill officially created the Academy of Idaho, and his dream became a reality.

Almost immediately, Turner was faced with another hurdle—the bill required that land be secured for the institution by May 1, 1901. Community leaders argued about location, and when there seemed to be an impasse, Turner donated 8.5 acres of his own land where the modern-day lower campus is today. Later, he donated another 160 acres of farmland and Red Hill to the University. 

Even after the school’s creation, he kept advocating for it to evolve, including while he was serving in the state senate. The first step he took was to fight for a change in the school’s name to decrease the stigma that it was basically just an elevated high school. In 1947, Turner and his wife, Lucy Petty Turner, watched Governor C.A. Robins sign the legislation officially making it a four-year school. This was even signed with the same pen used for the Academy of Idaho’s creation. Turner said that this was “the greatest day of [his] life.”

Throughout his life, Turner continued his love and support of Bengal Nation, from sponsoring the prize for oratory competitions to a scholarship that still remains in his name. On occasion, he stepped into classes as a substitute teacher. He served on the Dormitory Building Association Board when there was a desperate need for student housing. Because of his support, in 1921, the women's dormitory was renamed Turner Hall. Although the original Turner Hall has been demolished, one of the residence halls still bears his name. 

While Turner himself made a huge impact, his family contributed as well. After his passing, Lucy Turner donated his extensive library to the school. The Turner family was involved in the school for a very long time in various capacities. He had two sons who attended and graduated from the Academy of Idaho: Theodore J. Turner, Jr., and Fred Turner. Theo Turner Jr. continued his father’s legacy of involvement by serving as the alumni association president in 1920, and continued to be involved in campus activities with his wife. 

Without Theodore Turner, ISU wouldn’t have been created, have the land it does, or have evolved into the school we know and love today. There is no more fitting way to honor him than the Bengal did in 1950:

“Certainly, a great measure of thanks are in order when we realize that, were it not largely for his efforts, we could not have celebrated our first birthday. Were there a Purple Heart for devotion to this type of duty, it would certainly be awarded to the ‘father of Idaho State [University].’ We are sorry that he will not be here in person to celebrate…he will be with us in spirit at least. The spirit of Theo Turner and others like him, who gave so freely of their time and energy in our behalf, cannot die. Its evidence is tangible, we see it wherever we turn. Certainly such spirit cannot be ephemeral. All around us it lives on, forever an abiding benediction.”