The University of Baltimore is mourning the passing of Dr. H. Mebane Turner, UBalt’s president from 1969 to 2002. Dr. Turner died on Nov. 19. In a statement to the University community, UBalt President Kurt L. Schmoke said:
“With the passing of Dr. H. Mebane Turner (‘Meb,’ as he was known), Baltimore has lost one of its unsung heroes of civic leadership. For decades, he was not only ‘Mr. UB,’ but he was also a civic volunteer par excellence who undertook service with institutions — a level of service that even today has a positive impact on the quality of life for the people of Baltimore.
“Meb guided the boards of such disparate organizations as the City Jail and the Lyric Opera House when both faced critical issues. And he led the transition of The University of Baltimore from a struggling private university to a thriving public member of the University System of Maryland. He led UBalt for 33 years, a record that places him among the country’s longest-serving college and university presidents.
“Some knew Meb only as a bow-tie wearing, laid-back Southern gentleman. Few knew that he had been a collegiate wrestler who retained a competitive spirit in the higher education arena. Having worked with him when I was Mayor of Baltimore and during my University presidency, I can say without hesitation that it was a delight to know him and to be advised by him over many years. Meb Turner was a very special man. He will be greatly missed.”
Learn more about former President Turner.
