Wanda and Michael Dean - “Creating a Legacy”
Wanda and Michael Dean
Michael and Wanda Dean are always looking toward the future. In fact, they've recently taken the time to map out a few retirement plans – putting some thought into providing for family members and their church, assisting others with health care, and supporting public education.
The Lafayette County couple is bequeathing an estimated $250,000 to Mississippi State. The bequest will be divided between the MSU Libraries and general university scholarships.
"We wanted to select some areas of Mississippi State that could definitely benefit from our bequest, and we didn't want to put restrictions on our gift," said Michael, a Florida native. "The proceeds will simply be used by our designated areas as needed."
The fact that the couple has no children, and that Wanda is a breast cancer survivor, weighed heavily in their decision to establish a long-term plan.
"The earlier you can sit down and begin to think about planning for when you just won't be around, the better. By the time you are, say 50, I think you need a will and you need to consider what's important to you, particularly if you have no one immediate to benefit from it," Michael suggests.
Wanda agrees. "Facing your own mortality is not fun, but it is something you just have to do," she offers.
The Deans are also supporters of MSU athletics. "We always try to balance our contributions between academics and sports," Wanda says.
The two married in 1971 as Michael, an Emory University graduate, continued to work on his master's degree in English at MSU while Wanda taught at Starkville Junior High School. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's in special education from Mississippi State, and later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi.
After Michael earned his doctorate at the University of South Carolina, the couple relocated to Lafayette County. Michael joined the University of Mississippi faculty as a professor in the English department. He enjoyed a 24-year career with Ole Miss, retiring as associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, a position he held for a decade.
While with the Oxford School District, Wanda held a number of positions – from director of a center serving children with severe disabilities, to director of special education, to elementary principal, to middle school principal. Her final position with the district was Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She also served as an adjunct professor for the University of Mississippi.
Wanda retired after 28 years in teaching and assumed a new, more challenging role as a consultant for the U.S. Department of State's Office of Overseas Schools and a professor in the International Graduate Program for Educators through the State University of New York at Buffalo.
When Wanda finishes her work in a country, she travels with the locals. Since that's often the case, Michael joins her as his schedule permits. She returns the favor by accompanying him to MSU sporting events.
The MSU Foundation's Office of Planned Giving is available to assist with bequests and other gift planning. Please call 662.325.7000 or email vbristow@foundation.msstate.edu.
