President Rooney Announces Plans to Exit Dean After 27 Years

Dean College has gone public with news that the institution's long-time head is heading for the exit door, no later than the end of the current academic year.

Dr. Paula M. Rooney was named the 13th president of Dean College in 1995. According to the school's website Dean College  achieved "exceptional growth over the last two decades and experienced unprecedented success in enrollment, reputation and financial stability."

Academically, Dean has been ranked as a Best Regional College – North by U.S. News and World Report for ten consecutive years. Dean has also earned national recognitio, according to the college, as a College of Distinction for six consecutive years based on engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Dean College’s financial status has also been strengthened with the endowment growint from $7.9 million to over $50 million.

Under Rooney, the college added  baccalaureate degree programs,  transitioned into NCAA Division III membership and built up the campus, including the Rooney Shaw Center for Innovation in Teaching.

Her letter to the college community announcing her plans to leave is reproduced below: