Dr. Turpen retires after 34 years at UNMC

James Turpen, Ph.D., whose multiple roles at the med center included a long and influential imprint on graduate studies, retired Dec. 31 after 34 years at UNMC.

Dr. Turpen’s duties were so prolific and so wide-ranging, it will take multiple people to replace him, including two in graduate studies — Pamela Carmines, Ph.D., and Kendra Schmid, Ph.D. (please see separate story).

“The most insightful advice I have ever received as an educator and administrator came recently from Jim — ‘Always begin on the side of the student — and then consider any other relevant information,'” Dr. Carmines said. “This is a wonderful approach to resolving all kinds of problems, and I am certain that it has been an underlying tenet through all of Jim’s involvement in graduate education and academic affairs.”

“Dr. Turpen has had a profound impact on UNMC. He is one of those people who always knows how to get the job done and has worked hard to lead the university through countless complex twists and turns. He’s the Rock of Gibraltar,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

Dele Davies, M.D., said: “Jim has been an excellent colleague and a great asset to UNMC during his tenure here. His many talents such as leading the INBRE program through several renewals, while also serving major roles in academic affairs and graduate studies, will be missed.”

In retirement, Dr. Turpen is considering joining the Road Runners, a group that transports patients to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Minneapolis. “They need people who can drive the vans and transport the patients, and I’m looking into doing that with some of my time, as well,” he said.

Dr. Turpen is active in the Tangier Shrine Circus, where he has served as a clown and as circus director. He will continue following that passion.

But Dr. Turpen doesn’t plan to leave the med center behind in retirement.

“I used to come with a bunch of my friends down to the med center and visit the kids in the hospital. I haven’t been able to do that, because I just don’t have time during the day,” he said. “So that will be one of the things that hopefully I’ll be able to do more often.”