Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business named Kroger Co. manager and 1993 alumnus Felix Turner as its 2025 Black Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

The recognition highlights Turner’s work with Kroger Co., but also his work through the nonprofit he leads, The Floyd Turner Foundation, which addresses food insecurity among college students, provides college scholarships and promotes financial literacy education.

“I’m truly humbled by this recognition,” said Turner, a Sylacauga native who transferred to Auburn from Marion Military Institute, where he received an officer’s commission into the Alabama National Guard and served for 14 years.

“I had management experience from my military background, which attracted me to the business school at Auburn,” he said.

Turner began his career with Kroger as a bagger in its Auburn store.

“My education and experience at Auburn University laid a strong foundation for my career at The Kroger Co., equipping me with essential skills in leadership, communication and strategic thinking,” he said. “I was able to apply these skills to advance through various leadership roles, from assistant store leader to my current position as regional head of corporate affairs.”

His education went far beyond the book-learning, Turner said.

“Auburn’s emphasis on community engagement and practical learning helped me excel in roles that required managing external and internal communications, community affairs and government relations,” he said. “This preparation has been invaluable in overseeing corporate affairs teams across multiple divisions, allowing me to grow and adapt within the company over the years.”

The Floyd Turner Foundation

In 2020, Turner and his wife Necole founded The Floyd Turner Foundation, which focuses on underrepresented and underserved minority students and aims to create opportunities and support for their academic and personal growth.

The couple, through their foundation, have made significant contributions to Auburn University, particularly in the areas of the Campus Food Pantry, the Harbert College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts.

They also have collaborated with large corporations to provide funding, volunteers and resources to support the Auburn Campus Food Pantry, helping to alleviate food insecurity among college students.

Their support of the Harbert College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts includes established endowments.

Living the Auburn Creed

Turner’s contributions to Auburn were noticed before winning the 2025 achievement award, as noted in school development officer Jennifer Delmore’s recommendation of him for Harbert’s Business Alumni Council, of which he now serves as a member.

“Felix and his wife, Necole, have always had a passion for the educational and leadership opportunities for those who are underrepresented, as well as concerns for those with food insecurities,” she wrote. “As a member of the War Eagle Society, Felix strives to increase the awareness of Auburn University while promoting attendance and graduation of diverse students. In addition, Felix is very concerned with the amount of food insecurities on college campuses. 

“Since its existence in 2018, Felix has been very active with Kroger's Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation. He has partnered with many colleges and schools, including Auburn, to assist in establishing successful food pantries on campus. His impact at Auburn's Campus Food Pantry has brought about an inventory and stocking management system to make the food pantry more proficient as well as an annual $25,000 gift from Kroger Corporation.”

The couple created two scholarships for students who are underrepresented and have financial need, Delmore said.

“Felix has my highest recommendation and stands out as an exceptional alumnus who not only upholds the values of the Auburn Creed but actively contributes to the betterment of the community and beyond,” she said. “He continues to demonstrate a selfless dedication to making a positive impact on Auburn University and on the lives around him.”

Staying involved with Auburn

Turner has many fond memories of his years spent on the Auburn campus.

“One of my favorite fun memories at Auburn was attending the first Iron Bowl held at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1989,” he said. “The atmosphere was electric, with paper shakers creating an unforgettable orange and blue haze as we cheered our Auburn Tigers to victory.

“Thirty years later, I cherished the opportunity to relive that experience with my wife and two sons, celebrating yet another Auburn win.

“It’s vital for alumni to stay connected with Auburn University and the Harbert College of Business because their involvement helps preserve traditions, fosters community, and supports the ongoing success and growth of future generations.”

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Learn more about the Auburn Alumni Association's Black Alumni Awards.