Art history faculty member Dean Turner was named The Art Institute of Atlanta Faculty Member of the Year 2005 at the December graduation ceremony at the Georgia World Congress Center. Each year, graduating students and faculty nominate faculty for the award; a committee composed of former award winners reviews nominees and selects the winner.

One student who nominated Dean Turner said, "[He's] a great lecturer. He makes it easy for us to learn material. I loved his class." Another wrote, "He does a wonderful job of making art history interesting. It is easy to see his passion and love for art and the history surrounding it. As much as I enjoy an easy teacher, it is the ones who don't let you slide by who are the most memorable."

Mr. Turner has taught art history at The Art Institute of Atlanta since 2000. He has a master of fine arts degree in art history and is currently enrolled in the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction at Argosy University. In addition to teaching, he was the founding chair of the lecture committee. Mr. Turner has also been active professionally, presenting papers on art and culture at professional conferences and creating his own artwork.