Mark Dean

Mark Dean, an inventor and computer engineer, has an illustrious career spanning multiple decades and various roles. At IBM, where he began his career as an engineer, he co-created the IBM personal computer released in 1981 and holds three of the original nine PC patents. His innovative contributions to personal computer development led to his election into the National Academy of Engineering in 2001. Dean's groundbreaking work also led to the development of the color PC monitor and the creation of a one-gigahertz computer processor chip in 1999, the first of its kind in the world.

Dean's forward-thinking vision of technology was evident when he discussed a hand-held device that would display media content, like a digital newspaper, back in 2000. In line with his predictions, he now uses a tablet computer instead of a traditional PC. His extensive knowledge and experience in the field of computer engineering have earned him more than 25 patents, including advancements in computer hardware. His innovative work led to his recognition as the first-ever African-American IBM Fellow in 1995 and his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement from IBM in 2013, Dean transitioned into academia, becoming a professor at the University of Tennessee. He also served as the interim dean of the University's Tickle College of Engineering from August 2018 to July 2019. His contributions to the field of computer engineering have not only earned him numerous accolades including the Ronald H. Brown American Innovator Award, but also recognition in his local community with a day named in his honor, Dr. Mark Dean Day, in Knox County.