Get to know our Class of 2023 and see how they transformed during their time at Dean!

Every week, we’re showcased our graduating students before they said goodbye to Dean. On each #TransformationTuesday, you get a before and after look at where they started vs. where they were in their senior year. Learn more about our students below.

Hear from more seniors

Psychology

Allie B. '23How has your experience at Dean shaped you/how has Dean prepared you for the future?

My experience at Dean has shaped me for the future as I am confident that I am prepared for graduate school and for entering the job world.Allie B. '23

What is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory at Dean is making new friends, and being a part of 3 sports teams.

Dance with concentrations in Performance and Choreography

Melissa C. '23 freshman yearHow has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed during your time at Dean?

My time at Dean has allowed me to explore new opportunities that I never thought would be possible. I have worked with so many wonderful people, gotten involved in organizations such as SGA, Step Team, and Student ambassadors, and I have gotten to choreograph and perform in many shows as well!

Melissa C. '23 senior yearWhat is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory at Dean was getting to choreograph for the Project Green Showcase in November of my junior year. I choreographed a very personal piece with people who shared similar journeys as mine. That piece and showcase has changed my life forever.

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

Dean has prepared me for my future by connecting me with people who would later become a very important part of my journey. I was able to meet someone who came to Dean and presented with the Dean Leadership Institute. After we met at Dean, she gave me my first professional teaching job and I have been working at her studio ever since! I have also gained so much knowledge about the dance field that I can't wait to take with me into the world!

Communications, Sports Management

Zoe C. '23How has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed during your time at Dean?

My experience at Dean has been one to remember! Over the course of the last four years I have learned more about myself, others, and have gained confidence in my ability to complete tasks on the field, in the classroom, and in the real world.

Zoe C. '23What is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory at Dean is attending the Christmas Tree Lighting each year with my softball and field hockey teammates!

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

Dean has prepared me for my future by teaching me crucial skills needed for the workforce, and providing opportunities to grow professionally, in the classroom and outside of the classroom. This past winter I was able to attend the NCAA Convention, which was a great learning experience.

Business Management, Sport Management

Jagan D. '23How has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed during your time at Dean?

Being from Texas, Dean has taught me how to live far away from home and have more responsibility on my own. 

What is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory during my time at Dean is when my parents flew up and surprised me for my 21st birthday. 

Jagan D. '23

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

Dean has prepared me for the future because it has allowed me to find the career path I want to start and gain an idea of what field I want to work in. 

Dance with a concentration in Choreography, Sociology

Adrianna H '23How has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed during your time at Dean?

My experience at Dean has truly shaped me into the person I am today. This institution provided me with a welcoming environment where I was encouraged to grow and explore new opportunities outside of my comfort zone. Having a liberal arts education showed me how to be well-rounded and knowledgeable in more than one field of study which was incredibly valuable. The faculty members supported me through every step of my journey, and this gave me a safe space to grow and develop into the person I am now.

Adrianna H '23What is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory at Dean was making connections with the artists on the dance teams. Being able to collaborate with other artists with the same passion as me provided me a fun and supportive environment to explore new concepts and form close relationships. Meeting with them every weekend was something I always looked forward to because of how encouraging and compassionate everyone continually was. These teams truly allowed me to make life-long friendships that I will always cherish.

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

Dean has prepared me for the future in a number of ways. Being in a in a well-rounded institution, I learned how to manage my time well between both my academic and artistic studies. Dean gave me many opportunities to be involved and taught me how to be a strong and motivational leader within my community. Given the opportunity to be a captain of a dance team taught me about team work, responsibility, leadership, and the importance of making close, meaningful connections with other artists. This concept of making connections with my fellow students and professors is possibly one of the most important and valuable lessons I learned throughout my time here. All of this gained knowledge will assist me in the future not only when I am looking for jobs and internships within my field of study but also within my personal life as well.

Sports Broadcasting

Elizabeth M. '23 freshman yearHow has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed during your time at Dean?

My experience at Dean has helped me to become the person I am today. Between the support of my family and the friends that I’ve made since I started here, I’ve been able to grow as a person and become the best version of myself.

Elizabeth M. '23 senior yearWhat is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory from my time at Dean would have to be scoring my first goal for the soccer team and getting to celebrate with my teammates.

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

I would say that all the hands-on experience, and support from faculty on campus has played a huge role in preparing me for the future and life after Dean.

Criminal Justice & Homeland Security

Julia P. '23 freshman yearHow has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed during your time at Dean?

My experience at Dean has transformed me into a better leader. Throughout my years here, I have been more comfortable with my leadership skills and confidence.

Julia P. '23What is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

It's so hard to pick one memory. If I have to narrow it down, all of the Criminal Justice Club meetings, as well as both years of being an Orientation Leader. 

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

Dean has provided me with a lot of experience in the field through internships, guest speakers, and professors. My involvement and classes also allowed me to work on my communication, collaboration, and leadership skills- which I will forever be grateful for!

Dance, Health Science

Hayley W . '23 freshman yearHow has your experience at Dean shaped you or how have you transformed  during your time at Dean?

My time at Dean has allowed me to explore my artistry and develop the parts of myself and of my craft that I am passionate about. I have been granted opportunities to step outside of my own box and it has led me to tremendous growth both as an artist and as a person. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to showcase my work and have it recognized around campus. It has been really rewarding to be able to work with other incredibly talented people to help my art come to life. 

Hayley W. '23 senior yearWhat is your favorite memory from your time at Dean?

My favorite memory from my time at Dean was during my freshman year, during the first snowfall everyone in the triads had come out to have a huge snowball fight at midnight and it was a very wholesome moment. 

How has Dean prepared you for the future?

Dean has prepared me for the future by giving me the tools to find the support around me and understand how to support myself. I learned that strength is in communities, you just have to find where you belong and that community of people will help you get to where you want to go.