Veterinarian, Broadcast Journalist & Leadership Development Expert; Former Miss America; Author of "Courageous Faith"
Debbye Turner Bell Biography
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.
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Debbye Turner Bell Videos
Ask It Early: Pet Care - YouTube
CBS News Veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell answered viewer questions about fleas and spaying and neutering pets.
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How do I book Debbye Turner Bell to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Debbye Turner Bell for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Debbye Turner Bell, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Debbye Turner Bell or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Debbye Turner Bell
Speaking fees for Debbye Turner Bell, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Debbye Turner Bell are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Debbye Turner Bell, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Debbye Turner Bell speak about?
Debbye Turner Bell is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Agriculture, Animals & Wildlife, Black Heritage, Christian, College, Culture, Disruptive Thinking, Diversity & Inclusion, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Female Leadership, Influential Women, Inspirational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Storytelling, Television & Film, Thought Leadership -
Where does Debbye Turner Bell travel from?
Debbye Turner Bell generally travels from Grand Rapids, MI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Debbye Turner Bell’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Debbye Turner Bell for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Debbye Turner Bell for your next private or corporate function. -
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Debbye Turner Bell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as My Life As Miss America, Roller Coaster Christianity, Being a Woman in a Man’s World, Motivating the Youth and Elements of Excellence. The estimated speaking fee range to book Debbye Turner Bell for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Debbye Turner Bell generally travels from Grand Rapids, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Erin Gruwell, Dominique Dawes, Iyanla Vanzant and Dr. Bernice King. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Debbye Turner Bell for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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