Dean College history

After the groundbreaking ceremony held earlier in the year, the first class at Dean Academy began on October 1, 1866, with 44 students attending.

Dean Hall was completed in 1868 and the first Commencement was held with 13 graduates.

During the summer of 1872, Dean Hall was completely destroyed by fire, but reconstruction efforts began immediately.

The founders began rebuilding immediately and dedicated a new Dean Hall on June 7, 1874.

Lester L. Burrington became principal in 1879 and helped to stabilize curriculum and faculty.

Burrington was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature in 1896 and resigned as principal at the end of the winter term.

The "Peirce Era," one of the most significant in Dean's history, began in 1897 with the appointment of Arthur W. Peirce as principal. "Awpie," as his initials caused him to be nicknamed, was a kindly generous man, who was unable to believe ill of any boy or girl.

The school's athletic director and coach Daniel E. Sullivan '05, came to Dean in 1910 and, for 27 years, led Dean athletic teams in a long succession of victories over both academy schools and colleges.

The Espoma Company began production in 1929.

Enrollment increased until 1931 when the graduating class numbered 146, the largest in the history of the Academy.

Wallace persisted in his ideals and, almost single-handedly, obtained a charter from the Massachusetts Legislature in May 1941, authorizing the establishment of Dean Junior College.

In 1945, the first associate degrees were awarded and President Wallace resigned due to ill health.

A past alumni volunteer for the College, with his first gift to Dean dating back to 1951 and after nearly seven decades of loyal support, Mr.

Following the retirement of President Garner, Donald E. Deyo served as president from 1968-71.

In 1972, Richard E. Crockford took over leadership of the College and served for 19 years.

In 1997, the commuter station near the campus was named the Dean College/Franklin Station and a unique partnership was created with world-renowned Putnam Investments.

A new era began at Dean in fall 2000.

In January 2001 Dean College began offering Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer computer courses through a partnership with Pinnacle Training Corporation.

Beginning in 2007, Dean offered its second four-year degree in Arts and Entertainment Management.

In September of 2010, Dean opened its new 28,000-square-foot performance venue and dining center.

In 2012, Dean College continued its expansion with the dedication its new $16M campus center.

In 2013, Dean unveiled the opening of Dorothy & Glendon Horne '31 Hall and dedicated the Morton Family Learning Center.

In 2014 the Palladino celebrated 50 years of dance education, and Dean launched four additional bachelor's degree programs in English, History, Psychology and Sociology.

In 2015, Dean College celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary—150 years of rich history and milestones.

In 2016, Dean College launched additional bachelor’s degree programs, including Communications, Exercise Science and Coaching and Recreation.

In 2017, the College was awarded with grant funding for several initiatives.