Originally a member of the class of 1957, Dean completed his undergraduate degree in 1958 and spent the first several years after Johnson as a preacher. After hearing a call to international ministry, Dean and his family moved to Zambia to plant churches. After serving cross-culturally, Dean served as Johnson University's first-ever director of church relations; a position he held for twelve years. 

Dean and Judy have three children and still live close to the Tennessee campus. In fact, Judy continues to serve in the business office at Johnson University Tennessee.