A name synonymous with Texas Tech, Bill Dean has provided both countless hours of public service and unconditional support to Texas Tech University, the Lubbock Independent School District, the City of Lubbock and West Texas as a whole.

Bill and his wife Peggy Clark Dean were honored with the Lauro F. Cavazos Award at the Texas Tech Alumni Association’s 2008 “A Matador Evening: The 48th Annual Homecoming Dinner.” The Lauro F. Cavazos Award is presented to individuals who have made a positive impact on the university through outstanding accomplishments, acts of service and/or financial support.

Bill Dean, ’61, ’65, ’71, started his tenure at Texas Tech as the director of student publications from 1967–1978. He accepted the executive vice president role at the Texas Tech Ex-Students Association (Texas Tech Alumni Association) in 1978 and continues in that role today. Dean served as an assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communications from 1972–1975. He was promoted to associate professor in 1975 and continues to serve in that role. In 1998, Dean was named an associate dean in the College of Mass Communications and continues in that role today.

Texas Tech has also honored Bill Dean with the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award for the second time at the 2008 Faculty Honors Convocation, which took place April 22. His first President’s Excellence in Teaching Award came in 1995 when the Department of Mass Communications was under the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean has received numerous awards, including the Faculty Distinguished Leadership Award from the Moms and Dads Association in 1999; the Mortar Board/ODK Outstanding Faculty Award in 1982; and he was voted Best Teacher at Texas Tech from 1997 – 2005, and again in 2008 by readers of the Daily Toreador.

Dean also served the General Fraternity as the Editor of The Scroll for 20 years, 1970-1990. He is a name always referred to when speaking of Texas Epsilon and of Phi Delta Theta.