Getting to Know You: Deonte Turnley

Deonte Turnley, Program Advisor for the Multicultural Center, was born and raised in Evansville. He graduated from Bosse High School in 2016 and then went on to receive his undergraduate degree in TV production (2020) and his master’s degree in organizational communication and leadership, which will be conferred in Spring 2023, from Murray State University. With these impressive credentials, Turnley is prepared to succeed at an administrative level here at USI, as well as with the renowned Boom Squad organization in Evansville.  

What prompted your decision to join the USI family?  

When I saw the opportunity to join the Multicultural Center (MCC) at USI, it immediately caught my attention because not only did the position directly align with the work I have done before, but it also gave me an opportunity to return to my home of Evansville and work with a team of staff to meet students’ needs. Sometimes, there are opportunities that come in life you can’t pass up. What made me really want to be a part of the USI family was when I came to campus for my in-person interview. When I arrived, the campus was beautiful, and everyone felt accommodating, helpful and welcoming in nature. I also had the opportunity to engage with students that I could tell were interested in getting to know me and what I planned to bring to the table. 

What goals did you set for yourself when you began your journey at USI?  

I had two goals set for myself when I started here at USI: increase my professional knowledge and build my professional network.  

What do you do in your role with the Multicultural Center and why is it important to the University?  

My role in the Multicultural Center is serving as the Program Advisor. In this position, I am responsible for advising several groups and student organizations in the MCC, planning assigned programs and events and managing the social media of the Center. These responsibilities are important to the University because the efforts put forth by not only myself and the entire MCC staff are to help showcase the unique diversity USI offers. The MCC staff also works to create opportunities for cultural interactions for those who want to learn more about diverse cultures or showcase their own. 

You’ve been involved with the Boom Squad for 14 years. What does this organization do?  

The Boom Squad is a year-round youth development organization that works with youth ages 4-17. The public face is a performing drumline, but they operate after school and throughout the summer through six programs:  

1. Academic Time—In-person education/skill building that takes place 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday for any student K-12. 
2. Mentoring—Year-round for specific students. 
3. College Access—Year-round contract with former students connecting them with different colleges and universities to educate them about higher education. Boosts their participation in collegiate activities including homecoming and athletic events that take place on campuses. 
4. Drum Line—Year-round for students K-12, takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
5. Summer Programs—Summer day camp for K-12 students and a week-long band camp.
6. Workforce Readiness/Entrepreneurship—Caters to students who are becoming work-eligible by giving them firsthand supervised work experience. Boom Squad currently partners with VenuWorks to provide students with experience managing inventory, running cash registers, handling food, etc. 

How did you get involved with the Boom Squad, and what is your current role?  

I started as a student in the program in 2009. Eventually, I became the Squad Leader for the drumline, which is the highest student position in the organization. I currently serve as Assistant Director for Boom Squad, Inc. 

Favorite interests? 

I listen to most genres of music, but my most played are R&B, pop and some hip-hop. I enjoy fixing up drums, doing videography projects and watching Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies in my free time.

Any noteworthy facts that most people wouldn’t know about you?  

I was heavily involved in lighting and sound production throughout high school so much that during our “class day” where seniors were recognized prior to graduation, I had to wear a radio with an earpiece under my cap and gown to communicate with the people running the lights and sound because I was the one who knew how to run the system more efficiently than anyone else at that time. I also enjoy taking apart equipment to find out how it works. I have filmed athletic events for ESPN+ and did live video/directing for MSU TV11, along with several other live streams.  

Any last comments?  

I’m looking forward to contributing to the University community and being able to help students in any way possible. 

This piece was written by University Strategic Communication Graduate Assistant Shaila Dalrymple.