John Deegan served as dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences from 1986 to 1989, bringing a strong background in political science, public policy and research to the role. Before joining the University of Northern Iowa, Deegan held faculty positions at several universities and served as a project officer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Love Canal environmental crisis, experience that informed his research and policy expertise. During his tenure as dean, he emphasized research, scholarly communication and the continued growth of the college's academic reputation. Though his time as dean was relatively brief, Deegan's forward-looking leadership reflected his commitment to academic excellence and the role of higher education in addressing complex public issues.