WORCESTER, MA – March 17, 2026 – Quinsigamond Community College has named Dr. Dennis Dean as the new dean for the School of Computing and Applied Technologies. Dean brings more than two decades of experience in computational science, large-scale research management and collaborative scientific leadership in healthcare and higher education.
“We are thrilled to welcome a leader whose vision and experience align with our mission,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kathy Rentsch. “His ability to unite teams, translate complex ideas, and support learners makes him an outstanding fit for QCC. We look forward to the energy, insight and innovation he will bring to our community.”
Dean joins QCC after serving most recently in strategic roles at Velsera (formerly Seven Bridges) where he oversaw large genomics programs and scientific staff serving the biopharmaceutical sector. His work helped accelerate drug discovery by developing tools that reduced the time needed to identify combination therapies for cancer treatment.
“What excites me most at QCC is the opportunity to help students at every level,” Dean said. “Our job is to prepare them now with the academic rigor, collaboration skills and hands‑on experiences they need to step into the workforce with confidence.”
Dean previously spent 15 years at Brigham and Women’s Hospital studying the effects of sleep on cardiovascular disease, chronic illness and ADHD. He also contributed to research for NASA on automated astronaut scheduling and circadian alignment.
“The projects that have shaped my career have all come down to helping people move forward,” Dean said. “The work is about understanding problems deeply and building tools and teams that make real outcomes possible.”
At QCC, Dean will oversee computer science, computer information systems, computer systems engineering technology, automotive, utility, HVAC, manufacturing and electronics engineering programs. He plans to strengthen connections between curriculum, real‑world projects, apprenticeships and co‑ops. As a longtime mentor and tutor, Dean said preparing students for collaboration and effective communication, especially in an era of rapid advances in AI and computing, will be a central focus.