Professor Trevor Burnard has passed away at the age of 63. Photograph: University of Hull

We are saddened to learn of the recent death of Professor Trevor Burnard. Born in New Zealand, Trevor was an internationally eminent authority on the history of early American, Atlantic and Caribbean slavery.

He held numerous positions at universities in the West Indies, Australia and Britain. That included a relatively brief but productive time at Sussex during which he served successfully as Head of the American Studies Department. 

Trevor was an inspiring teacher and an outstanding and prolific scholar. He was also a genial colleague who helped nurture the careers of other faculty and foster a broader sense of intellectual community.

Professor Burnard was at the time of his sudden passing the Director of the Wilberforce Institute at Hull.

The outpouring of online tributes is evidence of the personal fondness and professional esteem with which he was regarded.

Author: Clive Webb, Professor of Modern American History

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