Claudia Turner stands by the poster display featuring the first recipients of the Dale P. Parnell... Claudia Turner stands by the poster display featuring the first recipients of the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition presented by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).Claudia Turner, a professor of nursing at Temple College, was selected to be among the first recipients of the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition presented by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

The award is named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell and recognizes individuals who make a difference in the classroom. To qualify for the award, recipients must demonstrate a passion for students in the classroom; show a willingness to support students inside and outside the classroom; participate in college committees; and go above and beyond what is required to ensure students are successful in their academic endeavors.

Turner and other recipients of the award were honored at the 2018 AACC annual convention, which was held in Dallas April 28-May 1.

Turner also is the 2018 recipient of Temple College’s Claudia and W.T. Barnhart Teacher of the Year Award. She will receive that award in May.

Turner has been teaching in Temple College’s Associate Degree Nursing program since 1999. She has brought new teaching techniques into her classrooms and shared new teaching strategies with other faculty members.

Outside the classroom, Turner serves as the faculty liaison for the Temple College Associate Degree Nursing Student Organization and has helped nursing students coordinate activities such as food drives, assisting with sports physicals, and administering flu vaccines. She also serves as a faculty mentor for 14 ADN students, providing support and encouragement as well as sessions on test-taking skills and study skills.

Turner has held several leadership positions at Temple College, including serving as president of the Faculty Council. In 2016, she was one of seven faculty and staff members from the college who were selected to receive awards from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition for all of her years of service not only to Temple College but to the nursing profession,” said Tracey Cooper, executive director of nursing. “She is an innovator in the classroom and an inspiration to students and faculty alike.”

Turner holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas School of Nursing in Galveston and a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She taught at Galveston College prior to joining the Temple College faculty.