Turan Mullins, assistant dean and director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Maryville University, has been named a 2018 Young Leader by the St. Louis American Foundation. The award honors African American professionals who are compassionate and generous in their commitment to St. Louis and who are already making a positive impact in the community.

“The Salute to Young Leaders is humbling,” Mullins said. “There is so much talent in St. Louis, and I’m honored to be included in this group of professionals.”

Mullins is one of 20 Young Leaders who will be recognized on Feb. 15, during the 8th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception.

At Maryville, Mullins is actively focused on creating a campus community respectful of all identities. The University regards diversity and inclusion as core principles of the learning environment and multicultural understanding as an essential measure of student success.

An established diversity leader both on and off campus, Mullins has been recognized for his work by a variety of organizations. He is a past Leadership Fellow with the National Association for Campus Activities, a 2016 Focus St. Louis Impact Fellow and an alumnus of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative leadership program.

Mullins serves on the board for the Diversity Awareness Partnership of St. Louis and is on the executive committee of Friends of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. He was honored with the 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award from Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club.