Meet Our Donors
Rev. Lola Turnbull
Lola Turnbull was born and reared in Buffalo, New York. She grew up in what is now the Presbyterian Church USA and was one of the first female and youth elders in the denomination. She attended both Presbyterian and United Methodist churches while in college, and later joined The United Methodist Church as a young adult.
Lola has earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in math education and one in computer science; a Master of Science degree in mathematics; a Masters Equivalent degree in gifted education; APICS certification; and a Master of Divinity degree. Lola has been a United Methodist pastor for more than 22 years, serving in various churches in the Western Pennsylvania Conference.
Lola first learned of Africa University through United Methodist publications, and she was among the first charter members of the Africa University Honorary Alumni Association. When General Conference was held in Pittsburgh in 2004, she attended the Africa University presentation to learn more about the university.
When she thinks of Africa University, Lola said that the following descriptive words and phrases come to mind: rooted in Christ, innovative, and making a difference on the continent of Africa. Lola’s dream is that Africa University’s alumni will become catalysts for stability and peace on the continent of Africa, and that each student will have a deep relationship with Christ that is lived out in career and community.