NEWS

Louisiana State Representative and Ruston businessman Christopher “Chris” Turner will serve as keynote speaker for Louisiana Tech University’s 2024 summer commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, in the Thomas Assembly Center on the Tech campus.

Turner, now in his sixth year representing Louisiana District 12, which includes Lincoln and Union Parishes, was born and raised in north Louisiana. He graduated from Oak Grove High School and earned his degree in business from Tech in 1999.

He is the owner of two small businesses, Turner Rexall and Hillside Storage.

“One of the main reasons I wanted this job, besides to cut the red tape for small businesses, was to be a voice for the importance of higher education and to make a difference for our universities,” Turner said. “It’s impossible to overstate how important Louisiana Tech is to our region and what a positive difference it’s made for me.”

While in college at Tech, Turner began working for Brookshire Grocery Company as a buggy boy and left 25 years later as director of the chain’s Ruston location.

A Republican, Turner in 2019 won 70 percent of the vote in the race to fill a vacated house seat. Turner won re-election to represent District 12 in October of 2023.

He is Vice Chair of the Civil Law and Procedure Committee and serves on the House Executive Committee, the Health and Welfare Committee, and the Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development Committee.

His term ends January 10, 2028.

Turner and his wife Nancy are the proud parents of four children: Gabbie, Aimee, Lyla, and Mason. They are members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston. Chris is involved with the Rotary of Lincoln, Rotary of Ruston, Lions Club, Kiwanis, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, and other organizations in the community.