UVI Mourns the Loss of Former Governor and Educator Dr. Charles W. Turnbull

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) joins the Virgin Islands community in mourning the passing of Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull, former Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who was a professor of History at the University from 1977 to 1998. 

In addition to his public service, holding the Territory’s highest elected position from 1999 to 2007, the late Dr. Turnbull had a long and distinguished career as an educator and historian and was widely revered for his role as a culture bearer. 

“Ralph Waldo Emerson said that an institution is the lengthened shadow of one man, and that is certainly true in the case of the Virgin Islands and our most esteemed colleague, champion, leader and friend, Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull. Ever true to his heart of service, through his leadership he set in motion many of the changes, upgrades and reforms that were essential to ensuring Virgin Islanders received an excellent education and learned a history of which they could be proud,” said UVI President Dr. David Hall. “His loss is deeply felt within the UVI community and throughout the Virgin Islands.” 

Retired UVI Professor of History, Dr. Marilyn Krigger, noted, “Dr. Turnbull enjoyed getting to know his students and was always a much-loved professor known for his jovial personality.” She added, “Dr. Turnbull grew up poor and was fascinated by how education changed his life. I think his aim was to do that for his students.”  

More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website-www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link.