Dr. Brandi L. Newkirk-Turner holds a B.A. in audiology and speech sciences from Michigan State University, an M.A. in speech pathology from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in communication disorders from Louisiana State University. While at Jackson State University, Dr. Newkirk-Turner has served as a department chairperson, in addition to serving in leadership roles on various university committees, including commencement and SACSCOC.

An active researcher, Dr. Newkirk-Turner has authored several book chapters and has published her research in peer-reviewed journals in her field, including Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools; the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology; and the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Additionally, she has secured approximately $2.3 million in grants to support her research, provide research experiences to undergraduate and graduate students, and prepare graduate students for careers in speech-language pathology. Dr. Newkirk-Turner is a recipient of the Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs, awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.