Debbye Turner Bell

Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a veterinarian, broadcast journalist, author, and speaker whose career spans animal health, media, and leadership development. Turner Bell was the third African-American national titleholder and the first Miss Missouri to be crowned Miss America. Her journey to the crown required seven years and 11 attempts in two states. A singer, pianist, and percussionist, Turner Bell performed a marimba rendition of "Flight of the Bumblebee" during the talent portion of the Miss America competition.

After her reign, Turner Bell pursued veterinary medicine, earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She worked as a spokesperson for Purina and practiced veterinary medicine before transitioning to television. Turner Bell hosted the PBS series "The Gentle Doctor," was a regular guest on CBS's "The Early Show" discussing animal health, and received an Emmy nomination for her regional program "Show Me St. Louis." As a staff correspondent for CBS News for 11 years, Turner Bell covered a range of topics and served as "The Early Show's" resident veterinarian, providing pet care advice. She interviewed President and Mrs. Bush at the White House for a "Pet Planet" segment about the first family's pets. Turner Bell also hosted the prime time television magazine program "48 Hours on WE" and served as the lead U.S. news anchor for Arise News, hosting the daily evening broadcast "Arise America." She has appeared as an expert contributor to "DOGS 101" on Animal Planet and "How Dogs Get Their Shape" on Nat Geo Wild.

Turner Bell has appeared as a guest on programs including "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Oprah," and the "Today" show. Her honors include the University of Missouri-Columbia Black Alumni Organization's Distinguished Alumni Award, the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University, and a first place award for outstanding reporting from the New York Association of Black Journalists. She received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.

Beyond broadcasting, Turner Bell is the founder and CEO of Debbye Turner Bell Consulting, providing leadership development training in communications, influence, and diversity to corporate and business leaders. She has served as a guest lecturer and commencement speaker at institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Cornell University, Texas A&M University, and Auburn University. Her speaking topics include personal excellence, determination, goal setting, and the value of education. Turner Bell has shared her expertise in pet care and motivation internationally, including in Rome and Johannesburg.

In her memoir, "Courageous Faith: A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith Over Fear," Turner Bell shares stories from her life, including her veterinary studies, pageant experience, and career in journalism and public speaking, aligning these moments with guiding principles and themes. The memoir reflects the authenticity and resilience that have characterized her career, establishing Turner Bell as a voice in animal health, media, and leadership development.