Two trustees recognized in naming of Culver-Stockton’s IDEA Center

CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College unveiled the newest educational building on campus on Monday as the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center. The IDEA Center, an acronym for Innovation, Design and Experiential Activities, was named to honor Scott Johnson, Class of 1971, and H.B. Turner, Class of 1979, members of the college’s Board of Trustees who have provided significant funding for the construction, build-out and furnishing of the new space along with endowment funding for ongoing activities. 

The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center provides a place on campus for entrepreneurial, creative, solutions-driven collaborative activities for students, faculty and the community. This dedicated space on campus is specifically tailored for experiential learning. Much of the curriculum at C-SC is differentiated by hands-on learning. Students will be provided with additional industry-perspective, outreach and mentorship that will be cultivated within the Johnson-Turner IDEA Center. 

“The ability to provide our students with real-world experiences before they enter the workforce is what has led to our No. 1 job placement rating,” C-SC President Douglas B. Palmer said. “The Johnson-Turner IDEA Center creates a distinct home for collaborative learning, expert interaction and problem-solving that will be pivotal to a student’s experiences as they prepare for their career.” 

Johnson, CEO of Basic Brands, Inc., is known as one of the early pioneers in the health and wellness supplement arena. Turner was the president and CEO at Heatron, which provides solutions for heating elements in the medical, semiconductor, lab equipment, food equipment and packaging field. Since retirement, Turner been the owner and chairman of Peachtree Lighting, which designs and manufactures specification-grade LED lighting products for the commercial, industrial and institutional market.

Other rooms within the IDEA Center have been named. With the help of United State Bank and alumnus Carolyn Peter, Class of 1966, and her husband, Ross, the breakout rooms will provide space for small group collaboration and problem-solving. A gift from alumnus Larry Thompson, class of 1967, provided an executive conference room that includes high-tech global communications, allowing students and faculty to develop worldwide relationships and engage with leaders on project ideas.