NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University played a pivotal role in the lives of Dr. Allison and Clayton Turner, bringing a Demon cheerleader and pitcher together.
 
The pair's relationship now will extend to the Demon baseball program as they have established the Dr. Allison and Clayton Turner Family Scholarship for Northwestern baseball.
 
The scholarship will benefit a baseball student-athlete who played at either a Texas high school or junior college. The player who will be awarded the scholarship will be a decision between Demon head coach Chris Bertrand and the Turner family.
 
Clayton Turner is a Taylor, Texas, native who pitched two seasons (2003-04) at Northwestern State before being drafted by the then-Oakland Athletics in the 27^th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
 
Turner remains in the top 10 in Northwestern single-season history in wins (10, T-3^rd) and strikeouts (103, T-5^th).
 
"We really wanted to give back to a place that has given us so much," Clayton Turner said. "Northwestern means so much to our entire family and played such a big role in our lives that it made perfect sense for us to establish this scholarship at this juncture."
 
Clayton Turner returned to Northwestern to complete his undergraduate degree, earning it in fall 2023. Dr. Allison Turner, meanwhile, is a three-time Northwestern graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in nursing (2005), a master of science in nursing (2013) and her doctorate of nursing practice (2016) from the couple's alma mater.
 
Allison Turner also was a cheerleader during her undergraduate years in Natchitoches.
 
"As an alumna, it means a great deal to establish this scholarship," Dr. Turner said. "I'm deeply grateful for the education, mentorship and community I received while at NSU. I know the opportunities and challenges that come with being a student, and I can only hope this scholarship can be helpful."
 
While Clayton Turner's on-field success led him to becoming an MLB Draft pick, it took his returning to school nearly two decades later to come to another realization – one that helped lead to the creation of the Turner Family Scholarship.
 
"We've been wanting to do this for a while," Clayton Turner said. "What probably was the trigger was, when our kids were getting older and we were really harping on getting good grades, I had to look in the mirror myself and finish something. Since I graduated in 2023, I've been a lot more active in the university, going to different events and really trying to be more involved."
 
The Turners also said they wanted to set an example for other former student-athletes.
 
"We're in a position to give back based on our circumstances," Clayton Turner said. "I know there are other people out there who can do the same and help our alma mater extend the winning tradition that defines Demon baseball."
 
For those interested in establishing an athletic scholarship at Northwestern State, contact Associate Athletic Director for External Relations Jordan Dupuy at dupuyj@nsula.edu or by calling 318-352-5251.