Reverend James Joseph Dean, O.S.A., was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts
on 14 March 1879. After completing college studies at Villanova, he did
graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. He was ordained to the
priesthood on 29 September 1901. For twenty-five years he was a member of
the Villanova faculty, teaching mathematics.
During his brief time as president of Villanova, he, in 1918, underwent
two serious operations and was thereafter in poor health. His successor in
the presidency was Father Francis A. Driscoll, O.S.A., previously
prefect-of--studies and vice-president.
Father Dean was an able orator. During World War I this talent of his
was drawn upon for Liberty Loan drives and other patriotic celebrations.
In October 1919 Governor Spoul appointed Father Dean a member of the
State College and University Council, which passed on charters of
incorporation for educational institutions. Father Dean was the first
Catholic college president ever appointed to this council. He died in
April 1964.
Source: The above account is based on an entry in the Evening Bulletin,
June 1920 bearing the headings: The Rev. J. J. Dean Quits Villanova.
Resigns as President Because of Illness. Succeeded by Rev. Francis A.
Driscoll.
