UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 38, Page 1
August 3, 1995
Andrew J. Turner Jr. is named special assistant

     Andrew J. Turner Jr., director of the state's Division of Human
Relations since 1983, joined the University Aug. 1 as special
assistant to the vice president for employee relations. In this
position, Turner will work closely with several units to enhance
campus human relations.
     He will report to Maxine Colm, vice president for employee
relations, and will work in concert with the Department of Public
Safety as well as with the Student Life staff.
     "Andrew Turner brings a special combination of experience and
abilities to this new position," Colm said. "He has an appreciation of
how members of a diverse community perceive and interact with one
another.
     "The goal of this position," Colm said, "is to ensure that, in
promoting a safe and civil community on the campus, the dignity of
everyone involved is protected and the educational program is
advanced."
     Delaware Secretary of State Ed Freel issued a statement on
Turner's resignation. "In his 11 years with the Human Relations
Commission, Andy Turner has made an invaluable contribution through
his tireless efforts to promote positive relations among the diverse
racial and cultural groups in Delaware. It has been a personal
pleasure to work with him over the past two and a half years," Freel
said.
     From 1953-73, Turner was a member of the Wilmington Police
Department, rising from the rank of patrolman to being the first black
captain in the history of the department and the state and, less than
a year later, to being the first black inspector in the department.
     In 1973, he left law enforcement to enter New Castle County
government in the office of the county executive, serving as criminal
justice planner/coordinator. From 1976-78, he operated a small
business, before returning to county government to become executive
assistant to the director of public safety and, a year later, the
county's first affirmative action coordinator.
     Turner held the latter position until he was appointed by the
governor to his position in the Division of Human Relations.
     Currently vice president of the National Association of Human
Rights Workers and a member of the Federal Liaison Committee for the
International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, Turner is
a life member of the NAACP and serves on the executive committee of
the Wilmington branch.
     A member of the UD Minority-Community Advisory Committee and the
state Criminal Justice Legislative Advisory Committee, Turner chaired
the review panel for the selection of police and fire chiefs for the
city of Wilmington, at the request of the mayor.
     A long-time member of the Eighth Street Baptist Church, where he
has chaired the Trustee Board and several committees, Turner was
ordained a deacon last year. He has received numerous awards and
certificates of appreciation for his contributions and services to the
community.