Debbye Turner Bell

(CBS News) 

Debbye Turner Bell is a correspondent for "CBS This Morning," prior to which she served as a correspondent for CBS News' "The Early Show" since March 2001. The "resident veterinarian" reports on pet and animal-related topics for the broadcast. Turner has also contributed reports to other CBS News broadcasts, including the "CBS Evening News."

Prior to joining CBS News, she served as co-host of "Show Me St. Louis," a locally produced magazine program highlighting interesting people and places in St. Louis (1995-2001). Turner was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on the program.

She hosted a PBS series about pets and veterinary medicine, "The Gentle Doctor" (1995-98). Although Turner is not currently practicing veterinary medicine, she dedicates much of her time to promoting responsible pet ownership through public service announcements, news features and workshops.

Since being crowned Miss America 1990, Bell has addressed more than 500,000 students at 500 schools, youth organizations and college campuses as a motivational speaker on topics of self-esteem, perseverance and the importance of education. In addition, she serves on many local, state and national boards, including the National Council on Youth Leadership, Missouri Division of Youth Services and Mathews-Dickey Boys' Club.

Bell was graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in May 1991 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She was graduated from Arkansas State University in May 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. She resides in New York City area with her husband.