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Date 6-28-06
Contact Jim Coll 601.266.5722
WITH PHOTO
Hattiesburg—University of Southern Mississippi
alumnus Jason Dean has been appointed as one of 14 exceptional young
men and women to gain first-hand experience working at the highest
levels of the federal government as a White House Fellow.
White House Fellows typically spend one year working as full-time,
paid special assistants to senior White House staff, Cabinet secretaries,
and other top-ranking government officials. “It’s a huge honor to
go to Washington and work for the president,” Dean said. “When I
got the good news I had such a feeling of satisfaction; it was exciting
and awesome and emotional all at once. I felt that all the hard
work had paid off.”
In July, Dean will travel to Washington to interview with department
and Cabinet heads to determine his assignment. Dean’s work in Washington
begins Sept. 1. He says the program is designed to encourage participants
to take the lessons they learn and put them to good use in their
home communities. The White House Fellows Program is one of the
nation's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service.
“The theme of the program is ‘Repay the Privilege,’” Dean said.
“That is what President (Lyndon) Johnson spoke about when he created
the program. I’m looking forward to working in Washington, but Mississippi
is going to be my home and I hope to play a part in advancing the
state.”
Currently, Dean serves as policy advisor to Gov. Haley Barbour.
His responsibilities in that role include budgetary and policy matters
relating to education. In 2006, Dean successfully worked with the
state's educational stakeholders to pass the governor's education
agenda. This reform package included such issues as high school
redesign, reducing the state's dropout rate, and addressing the
critical shortage of teachers.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he worked with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, state, and faith-based groups to coordinate
a warehouse and shipping system. He has served as chairman for a
local United Way campaign; board member for GEAR-UP, the Public
Education Forum, and on the Mayor's Commission on Public Safety;
Big Brother in Jackson; and in other community service interests.
Dean earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Southern
Miss and later received both his master’s and doctorate in education
from the University of Mississippi. He continues to work as an adjunct
professor at Southern Miss.
Dean says his Southern Miss education has played a significant
role in his career successes.
“I think a lot about the days heading back and forth to the library
and to class,” Dean said. “Incredible people I met that influenced
me like the administrators, professors and classmates, deserve much
of the credit. I owe a debt of gratitude to them and USM.”
The 2006-2007 Class of White House Fellows represents a diverse
cross-section of professions, including medicine, law, finance,
education and state government. Selection is a highly competitive
process and based on a record of remarkable professional achievement,
evidence of leadership skills, a strong commitment to public service,
and the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully
at the highest levels of the federal government.
“The process had redeeming value inherent in it,” Dean said. “It
forced me to contemplate what it is that I want to do with my life
in ways that I probably otherwise would not have. In addition to
the personal value, it has professional value in that it is a huge
opportunity for me as a Mississippian to observe our nation’s leaders
in action.”
Click to enlarge
Jason Dean
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