On July 26, M. Rick Turner announced his retirement from his position as Dean of African-American Affairs, 12 days after he admitted lying to federal investigators about “the activities of a known drug dealer.”
UVA immediately placed Turner, 65, on paid leave and launched an internal investigation after learning of a pretrial diversion agreement with U.S. prosecutors on July 14. In that document, Turner agrees that the U.S. “would have established its case beyond a reasonable doubt” and in exchange agreed to testify in court and remain under probation for 12 months.
The University investigation has been closed now that Turner has retired, according to Jeff Hanna, UVA spokesman. Hanna says that UVA hopes within a week to make an interim appointment of someone who will serve until a search committee finds a permanent replacement. Thus far, Turner’s position has been filled by Sylvia Terry, an associate dean.
Turner’s retirement will presumably ease the burden on the University, which is about to launch the public phase of a $3 billion capital campaign, and will now no longer have to investigate, and potentially fire, a man who has served as a dean for the past 18 years.
According to a UVA press release, Turner “will continue to be active in the community and looks forward to having more time to devote to completing a book he has been writing for several years.”
Hanna is unaware of any official send-off for Turner, who did not return phone calls or e-mails by press time.
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