People have a lot to say about Dr. Turner. His work has proven to be the subject of many conversations. Perhaps, one of the more permanent commemorations of his work at the University of Virginia is the recently-created namesake award:
The M. Rick Turner Award of
Distinction for Service and Advocacy
is presented to members of our
community, student or otherwise,
who have acted selflessly for the
University community. Through their
passion, dedication and commitment,
they have served in the legacy of Dr. Turner. This celebration marks the
inaugural presentation of the award.
Student Reflections
Former UVa student Phoebe Haupt says that, "Dean Turner has always been a presence. At a historically white-institution, his presence and his visibility were so important. They served as a signal, a reminder to all that someone was looking out for and advocating for African-American students and their interests. Dean Turner is an admirable person because he stands up for what he believes, even though his beliefs may be unpopular. He does not tell half-truths, he tells the whole truth even when it makes people feel uncomfortable. I will always remember an anonymous African proverb that I read on his office wall when I was a student at UVa: 'Tall trees catch much wind.' To me, that proverb describes Dean Turner, all that he is and has tried to be for African-American communities."
Kimberly Warden, a former UVa student, recalls: "I can honestly say that I don't know if I would be here if it wasn't for Dean Turner, because there were times when I wanted to transfer to a historically black university. But knowing that there is some support for African-American students here has helped carry me through my almost four years here, and now I'm glad he is here."
Chelsea Cosby, a 2007 UVa graduate, writes to Dean Turner: "Thank you so much for the confidence you have inspired within me. Your wisdom and encouragement are priceless. And thanks to you, I know I can sit at anyone's table".
UVA student comments from "Still I Rise: Thirty Years of Success," a publication commemorating the 30-year anniversary of the University of Virginia's Office of African-American Affairs.
"The knots were undone and the anxiety dissipated as soon as I went to the OAAA Welcome session. I heard Dean Sylvia Terry and Dean M. Rick Turner speak and finally met my peer advisor...I felt as if I had allies, people who were interested in my success as much as I was." Adom Getachew (Class of 2009)
"It was my first time meeting Dean Turner, and, based upon his evaluation by my peers, it was a meeting I dreaded. He was an administrator to fear: a tall, almost burly stature coupled with blunt, painfully honest criticism. I had even heard that he brought grown men to tears in his 400-level sociology class. Yet for some reason as he walked towards me that early February morning, I did not sense an aura of intimidation; in fact, his smile was warm and kind. As he proceeded to shake my hand, I could feel the generosity of his spirit...Dean Turner then commanded me to visit OAAA to schedule a meeting with him--a mandate, as I would later learn, he administered to each and every black student each and every month of their collegiate career." Aaron N. Blake (Class of 2007)
"A week later, I met with Dean Turner and I realized that my conceptualization of how to genuinely take ownership of this University was only partially accurate. Dean M. Rick Turner asked me a question that served as the catalyst to my success as a student at UVa. He asked, 'Jessica, what is the legacy that you will leave at the University?' At that moment, I did not know what my legacy would be. However, I realized that I was given a grand responsibility-a responsibility that entailed more than simply passing my classes and joining a few organizations." Jessica N. Childress (Class of 2007)
The Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA) has played a considerable role in the aforementioned, especially under the tutelage of Dr. M. Rick Turner. As everyone knows, the obstacles of life are indiscriminate, and I experienced my initial obstacle at the University during my first semester as a first-year student. I deem this an important step in my tenure at UVa due to the assistance I received from Dean Turner. Dean Turner had earned a reputation for being a source of help and guidance for students, thus it was immediately recommended that I contact him. Sure enough, Dean Turner stepped in and provided assistance, going as far as to being present with my family in a meeting with the office in which my conflict occurred...Dean Turner was that someone (and I believe that I testify on behalf of several students), for guidance and support often needed for students of 'our' community. It is individuals of his ilk who have a genuine concern for the people, which plays a substantial role in student survival at the University." Darryl Jennings (Class of 2007)
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Parent Reflections
"He [M. Rick Turner] is not just involved, he is committed and has a great insight for the students' needs." Patricia Broussard
"I was impressed initially with you when you said something to the students like 'You will get acceptances from many colleges; but no other school will love you like we will love you at UVA'. That tone and commitment sums up the impression that I gained about the OAAA office to Black UVa students.
You are truly an advocate for Black students. You have built the OAAA into a major resource for the academic, social, psychological and self image success of the Black UVa student. You have built a rapport with the UVa faculty, staff and leadership that notifies them that the OAAA is on the watch on a 24/7 basis.
The Peer Advisor Program is incredible. I personally do not know of a comparable program at any other college. For that reason, and the fact that UVa has the highest percentage of graduating Black students, I encourage you to write about the successful graduation rate of Black UVa students." Jonca and Derrick Humphries
We met Dr. Turner at the initial parent-student assembly and were extremely impressed with his keen interest for the new students. We were even more delighted by his reassuring comments that he and his staff at the African-American Affairs Office would be there for support, particularly for the incoming African-American young people. Many of these young folks were about to be separated from families and familiar surroundings for the first time, to include our daughter. I believe it was Dr. Turner who pointed out a very important statistic about UVa…being that it had either the highest or one of the highest graduation rates for African-American students attending major universities or colleges. (I believe those figures actually improved during Dr. Turner’s tenure). Dr. Turner and Ms. Sylvia Terry, his assistant, were there the next year in 1992, when our second daughter began at UVa. Over a 5-year period my wife and I made it a point to stop by the African-American Affairs Office when down at Charlottesville to say “hi” to a group of people who were instrumental in ensuring that our two daughters had an academic and social environment that was conducive in helping them to graduate from UVa in 4 years. We thank Dr. M. Rick Turner. Jordan and Dorie Simmons
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Media Reflections
The following are articles highlighting Dr. Turner's contributions to UVa and the broader Charlottesville, Va community:
The Agitator
A Glimpse of the Past and a Vision for the Future
Home Away From Home
UVa's Turner Promotes Winds of Change
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