Experience
M. Rick Turner’s life’s work began with his dissertation, “The Academic Achievement and Retention of Black Students in White Institutions.” Since completing this research and analysis, he has committed himself to becoming an expert on issues related to the African-American student, including recruitment, admission, retention, and graduation.  Here are highlights of Dr. Turner’s experience:

• Dean of the University of Virginia’s Office of African-American Affairs, where he served from 1988 until his retirement in 2006, Dr. Turner helped countless students and families become acclimated to and thrive in the University setting. Under his leadership and with the institution of many programs, the University boosted its African-American graduation rate to 87%-- among the highest of any public institution in the nation. 
• Various student affairs positions of leadership at institutions across the nation, including the University of Connecticut, University of California-Irvine, and Stanford University.
• Successful advocate for assisting student athletes and their parents-- drawing on his personal experiences parenting three children who were all student-athletes at Division I schools. He is often consulted by parents of high school athletes being recruited by higher education institutions. This part of his work has been enhanced by the relationships he has been able to build with athletic departments and coaches.
• Adjunct faculty member (retired) of the University of Virginia’s Department of Sociology, having taught courses on “Sociology of the African-American Community.” 
• Founder of the Saturday Academy in Charlottesville, VA, an educational enrichment program for families which channels his deep concern for the community and the advancement of African-Americans, and works to ensure that parents and children understand the value of education at all levels.
• Consultant/speaker for numerous education foundations, higher education institutions, public and private schools, community organizations, and municipal and federal agencies.
• Author and speaker on African-American academic achievement; affirmative action; and the recruitment, retention, admission and graduation of African-American students, other students of color, and student-athletes. 
• Community activist active in community affairs, working closely with parents and children.

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Education
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology), Linfield College
Master of Social Work, University of Connecticut
Doctor of Philosophy (Higher Education Administration/Policy Analysis), Stanford      University

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Leadership Posts
President, Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP Branch;
     2007 Freedom Fund Banquet footage (Click here)
Consultant, American Education Research Association (AERA)
Member, Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors-Charlottesville, VA
Member, Diversity Committee, University of Virginia
Area Chair, NAACP (Area 11)
Member, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Founder and Director, Saturday Academy (family education program; University      of California-Irvine and University of Virginia)
State Education Chair, Virginia NAACP

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Publications
Dr. Turner has written extensively on the subject of African-American students. From regular columns in UVa's Office of African-American Affairs Visions parent newsletter to articles and white papers published in higher education periodicals, his writing has served as important insight and documentary on various issues surrounding African-American students. For a sample list of publications, click here.

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Awards
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, presented by the University of Virginia during      Spring 2001 convocation exercise for recognition of excellence of character      and service to humanity
Crispus Attucks Award for Higher Education Leadership, presented by the      NAACP of Orange County, CA
M. Rick Turner Award of Distinction, presented by the Theta Lambda Chapter of      Sigma Gramma Rho Sorority Inc. for Serving as a Selfless Teacher and      Mentor to the Students and Faculty of the University of Virginia
Outstanding Black Faculty Staff Award, presented by University of California,      Irvine, CA
Parents Advisory Association Warrior Award, presented by University of      Virginia Black Parents Advisory Association
Ron Brown Award (For Years of Successfully Eduating African-American      Males), presented by Successful African-American Males Programs      (SAAMP)
University of Virginia Chapter NAACP Award

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