Welcome, Class of 2030: Countless Possibilities Ahead!

A new academic year is underway, and the Dean College community is growing by more than 380 new students.
This fall, Dean welcomed more than 380 new students to campus, including first-year students and transfers. They arrived on campus ready to explore new interests, build lasting friendships and begin writing the next chapter of their stories. 

With 94% of the incoming class living on campus, students are already experiencing all that Dean has to offer, including an unlimited dining plan, 16 Division III athletic teams, a dozen performing arts productions, and 40 different student organizations waiting to welcome new members. 

From Near, Far and Everywhere in Between 

This year’s incoming students represent 33 states, Puerto Rico, Morocco and Ecuador. 

Some did not have far to travel: 12% students come from communities within 15 miles of Dean’s Franklin campus. Others made a much longer journey, with more than 8% of students traveling more than 1,500 miles to call Dean home. 

Together, they bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our close-knit campus community. 

Finding Their Place at Dean 

Many members of the Class of 2030 began building a connection with Dean before arriving for the fall semester. Three out of four first-year students visited campus before enrolling, giving them an opportunity to meet members of the community and picture themselves here. 

That connection continued during move-in and Bulldog Beginnings, a weekend designed to help new students settle in, meet their classmates and feel at home. From unpacking boxes and saying goodbye to family members to attending Awpie Fest, Big Money Bingo, Boomer’s Bash and other activities, students began experiencing what it means to be part of the Dean community.

Ready to Explore Their Interests 

Members of the Class of 2030 plan to pursue 40 different academic programs and pre-professional pathways. 

Sport Management is the most popular intended major, followed by Business, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sports Broadcasting. The class also includes nearly 60 students planning to study dance or theatre, along with future educators, scientists, healthcare professionals, artists, communicators and entrepreneurs. 

Bringing New Energy to Dean 

The class will also make an immediate impact on Dean Athletics. Just over half of first-year students plan to compete in a varsity sport, representing 13 different teams. Football welcomes the largest group of incoming student-athletes, followed by baseball. 

Beyond the classroom and competition, these students will bring their talents and interests to performances, student organizations, campus traditions and the greater Franklin community. 

And because every class has its own collection of fun facts: June is the most common birthday month among this year’s incoming students, while November 13 is the most frequently shared birthday. Six new students will celebrate that day.

Whether they traveled 15 miles or 1,500, arrived knowing exactly what they want to study or are still discovering their path, each new student is now part of the Dean community. 

Welcome to Dean, Class of 2030 and our newest transfer students. We’re proud to call you Bulldogs and can’t wait to see where your journeys take you.