After serving 18 years as the University's dean of African-American affairs, M. Rick Turner, 65, announced that he will retire from the University at the end of the month. Turner's retirement comes after he was forced to take administrative leave from the University July 14 after signing a pretrial diversion agreement with a federal prosecutor acknowledging that he misrepresented his knowledge of the activities of a "known drug dealer."
The announcement marks the end of a controversial career at the University, serving as a sociology professor and an advocate for African-American students in all disciplines. With the announcement of his retirement, the University's investigation of Turner has concluded, said University spokesperson Carol Wood.
According to a University press release, Turner said that he has enjoyed his work at the University and has been pleased that such a prestigious institution of higher education has made such strides in serving the minority community and advancing "the interests of diversity."
His legacy includes attracting more African-American students to the University in addition to helping maintain one of the highest graduation rates for African-American college students in the nation. In 2006, the graduation rate for black students at the University was 86 percent, the highest rate at any flagship public university for the 12th straight year. He also expanded the Office of African American Affairs program offering to include the Peer Advisor Program, the Luther Porter Jackson Black Cultural Center and the Parents Advisory Association. Turner's tenure included new initiatives such as the Faculty Student Mentoring Program and numerous fundraising activities.
Turner also leaves behind a legacy of controversy at the University. His reputation for speaking bluntly left some student groups at the University, such as the Individual Rights Coalition, feeling that he did more to stoke controversy about race relations at the University than improve the situation.
His condemnation of the decision by the University's chapter of the historically black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha to join the Inter-Fraternity Council drew criticism. Turner said he found the move "disgraceful," adding that "Martin Luther King Jr., would roll over in his grave" if he knew about the decision.
In addition, Turner expressed outrage over the Charlottesville School Board's decision to accept the resignation of then-superintendent Scottie Griffin in 2005. Griffin was Charlottesville's first black superintendent. Turner cited the decision as "an insidious form of blatant racism by elite white parents."
Associate Dean Sylvia Terry will continue to serve as acting dean until an interim dean is appointed, an announcement that is expected by next week, according to Wood. Pat Lampkin, vice president for student affairs, will appoint a search committee to find a permanent successor.
Black Student Alliance President Tamara Dottin said she regretted the news of Turner's departure.
"I'm sorry to see Dean Turner leave, and I am thankful for all he has done for the University."
Turner was appointed as dean in August 1988. Prior to his appointment, he worked in various student affairs positions at the University of Connecticut, University of California-Irvine and Stanford University.
In Charlottesville, Turner served as president of the Charlottesville/Albemarle branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was a board member of the local Boys and Girls Club, and the founder of the Saturday Academy. He received the University's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, an award recognizing his commitment to mankind.
Read More
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
What does the University’s contract with dining service Aramark entail?
By Brandon Kile | 3 days agoThe Cavalier Daily submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the University for its contract with Aramark to understand the specific terms of the agreement.
