By: Nathan Anderson
More than 30 years after first stepping onto the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s campus, Tiffoni Turner has returned with a renewed purpose, a deeper passion for public health, and a determination to finish what she started.
Turner, a Birmingham native and longtime healthcare professional, never imagined that watching her oldest son graduate from UAB would inspire her to begin a new chapter of her own.
“My oldest son, Joshua, graduated from UAB in 2022 and my youngest son was ready to begin college the same year and again there was no question; UAB was the school of choice,” Turner said. “Seeing my oldest son accomplish his goal of becoming a Blazer Alumnus sparked a fire in me to be a Blazer Mom in a much different way. Why couldn't I go back and become that Blazer I was meant to be over 30 years ago? So, I applied for graduate school, and here I am, being a ‘Blazer Mom.’”
Turner has been a licensed nurse for more than 25 years, building a career that spans Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Geriatric Care. She has also worked as a Clinical Quality Auditor for a major insurance corporation and currently serves as clinical manager for Alabama Regional Medical Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving communities across Alabama.
Now pursuing her master's in public health with a concentration in health behavior through the UAB School of Public Health, Turner says her decision was deeply influenced by mentorship and the desire to expand her understanding of healthcare beyond clinical settings.
“During my undergraduate career, I met a UAB professor who I chose to be a guest speaker at an event for our department that brought members of the U.S. Intelligence Community to a colloquium. Her name is Dr. Kathryn Morgan,” Turner said. “We stayed in touch long after graduation, and I knew that I could expand my knowledge with the foundation I received.
“Ever since my first day of class, I have had nothing but positive interactions and influences, and while a person of my years thinks that they have seen it all, I have learned so much more than I ever knew.”
As a student, one assignment left a lasting impression on Turner. Students were asked to examine their communities and capture a photo that represented healthcare culture. The project challenged her to step outside of her normal perspective and think more critically about how healthcare is experienced and represented within the community. Turner described it as one of the most thought-provoking assignments she has completed during her graduate studies.
Beyond academics, Turner says UAB has opened doors to meaningful community engagement and professional networking opportunities that directly connect classroom learning to public health impact.
“UAB has helped me so much with networking opportunities,” she said. “I have encountered so many people in the healthcare arena because of the community involvement that UAB projects.”
Through those experiences, Turner has connected with organizations and initiatives including the Jefferson County Department of Health, Regional Wellness Day, Operation Wipe Out, and the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
“These connections not only help the community directly but are a great connection to allow students like me, help the community as well,” she said.
Like many graduate students, Turner admits balancing coursework, career responsibilities, and personal life has been one of her biggest challenges.
“The biggest challenge is time management,” she said. “As a graduate student, you have to learn to manage your time, especially if you work or are taking multiple classes.”
Still, her dedication has led to remarkable success. Turner completed her most recent term with a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success honor society.
For Turner, however, the greatest transformation has been internal. Returning to school later in life initially brought feelings of hesitation and self-doubt.
“It heightened my reservations after seeing all the younger people on campus with shorts and backpacks walking to class and having time on their side to be the best version of themselves,” Turner said. “I felt as though maybe it was too late, maybe me being older means I had my chance. But I quickly realized that it was my own fear that altered my thoughts.”
Turner is expected to graduate next December, but she already has her sights set on an even bigger goal. Inspired by conversations with faculty member Dr. Teneasha Washington, she now hopes to pursue a PhD after completing her master’s degree.
As she continues her journey, Turner remains motivated by the belief that it is never too late to pursue purpose, growth, and lifelong learning.