Since 1865, Dean has been led by a strong succession of leaders that have stewarded the growth of the institution from our early days as Dean Academy and Dean Junior College to the ยายืสำฦต we are today. Take a look back at the leadership that got Dean where we are today.
What we now know as ยายืสำฦต began in 1865 as Dean Academy, all thanks to generous benefactor and founder, Dr. Oliver Dean. Born in Franklin on February 18, 1783, Dean was known for his Universalist faith and his loyalty to the Town of Franklin. He practiced medicine in Boston and Medway, before retiring from the profession and becoming superintendent of Medway Cotton Manufactory and later Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Dean returned to Franklin in 1851, where he lived until his death on December 5, 1871. An enthusiastic supporter of Dean Academy, Dean gifted nine acres of land and $125,000 to build the school.
The first principal of Dean Academy was Timothy G. Senter, who took the helm in the fall of 1866. Also a Goddard Professor of Mental and Moral Science, a strong disciplinarian and a sound administrator, Senter led Dean until June 1871, when he was forced to retire due to poor health. What is now the ยายืสำฦต Children’s Center was originally known as Senter House.