Kevin Turner began his academic journey in 1978, graduating from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Psychology. His educational interests are expansive, including an Associate of Science in Mortuary Science, master’s degrees in Divinity, International Relations, National Security Studies, and Social Work, and a Doctorate in Ministry.
In 1984, Kevin enlisted in the Army as an infantry private. Over the next 30 years, he was commissioned as an officer, transferred to Special Forces, and then to the chaplaincy. He retired from the Army as a Brigadier General, serving as the Assistant Chief of Chaplains.
In 1994, Kevin took a break from active duty and began working as a social worker. He supervised foster care and adoption when he was recalled to active duty following the 9/11 attacks. After 6-1/2 years, Kevin returned to social work, first supervising the Veteran Services office and later serving as the program administrator for the Adult Services programs. He retired from the Health and Human Services agency after 17 years.
Currently, Kevin works as an adjunct instructor in the MSW program at Western Carolina University. In 2011, his dissertation described and evaluated the use of spiritual disciplines by special operations personnel in combat to reduce stress. As a DSW candidate, he has shifted his focus to moral injury and to incorporating spirituality and meaning as a fourth domain of the bio-psycho-social paradigm.
