Dean Hall: Home

HISTORY:

Dean was built in 1947 and named after Engineering/Mechanics professor Herman W. Dean. In October of 1946, ATU applied to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) - a US Government agency - for $100,000.00. This was to be used primarily for moving and erecting B-1B barracks buildings so they could be converted into an Engineering Building. With aid from the Federal Works Agency (FWA), the approval of the RFC loan (in December 1946), and some support from the ATU budget, the construction of the U-shaped Engineering Building was completed by September 1947. In addition to the Engineering Department and classrooms, it also housed the Physics Department, Mechanical Drawing, and the ATU vocational training areas, including automotive, woodworking, plumbing, sheet metal work, and radio shops.

Over the years, a variety of different programs have been housed in Dean Hall. However, it is currently home to the ATU Nursing program, Agriculture program, World Languages, International Education, and the School of Professional and Community Education (PACE), which includes the Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Organizational Studies, and Higher Education and Student Affairs programs. It also features the Miller Center for Global Engagement. This center was designed to welcome all of the world’s cultures and bring them closer - not only to the ATU community - but also to each other.