Dean obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Nottingham in History in 2012, before moving on to complete for an MA(res.) in History. He has worked across the University in a variety of capacities, from Events to Widening Participation to Libraries. In October 2017 he joined the Transforming Teaching Team where he ran the Students as Change Agents and Student Engagement Associates programme, winning a European Consortium for Innovative University's award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. Currently, as Educational Enhancement Manager, he runs the Educational Excellence Group, Education and Student Experience Network and organises the University’s Teaching and Learning Conference. Alongside this he works with schools on processes that attempt to address Awarding Gaps and meet Access and Participation plan targets.