A. Tolga Turker

Director of Global Entrepreneurial Programs

Global Development and Training Institute

As Director of Global Entrepreneurial Programs, Tolga Turker serves as a key member of the Global Affairs leadership team and develops opportunities to execute UConn`s global strategy. He collaborates with UConn schools, colleges, and administrative units to develop and expand international partnerships and programs as well as review partnerships with international institutions in the areas of research, teaching, and service. Tolga also oversees training and service programs developed by the Global Training and Development Institute. Prior to joining UConn Global, Tolga oversaw University of Arizona`s (UA) microcampus dual degree partnerships, Global Direct online pathways programs, and noncredit programs offered in Europe and Central Asia. Prior to this role, Tolga served as a full-time faculty member in Political Science Departments in Turkey and Kazakhstan and led university`s integration to European Higher Education zone.

Tolga holds Ph.D. in Political Science (University of Cincinnati, 2008), Master of Arts in International Relations (Eastern Illinois University, 2000) and Bachelor of Arts (Bilkent University, 1998). He continues to teach graduate courses in political Islam and politics in Central Asia at the University of Arizona`s International Security Studies (MA) program.