Anita Dean joined the Stennis Center on a part-time basis as the Financial Officer in October 1997. In January 2000, Anita increased her commitment to the Stennis Center to a full time basis as Assistant Director for Administration.

Prior to her work at the Stennis Center, Anita directed her energies toward the rearing of her two sons after having spent several years teaching mathematics on the secondary and college level. She served for six years as head of the Mathematics Department at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Jackson, MS. On a part-time basis, Anita taught undergraduate mathematics classes at Mississippi College in Clinton and at Mississippi State University in Starkville.

Anita grew up in Tyronza, Arkansas, and graduated as salutatorian from Marked Tree High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University with special distinction and received her master’s degree in mathematics education from Mississippi College. In 1994, Anita passed all examinations and met all other requirements to achieve designation as a Certified Public Accountant.

John, the older of Anita’s two sons, is a medical resident in pediatrics and internal medicine at the University of Tennessee Medical School and is married to the former Jaime Phillips.  David, Anita’s younger son, graduated from the Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland in June 2007. Anita married Arnold Dean in August 2007.  Anita is a member of First Baptist Church of Starkville, where she has served as a facilitator in several Bible studies in addition to teaching Sunday School.