Dean was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee, on March 2, 1957. He received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee, his MSEE from Florida Atlantic University, and his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Early in his career at IBM, Dean was chief engineer working with IBM personal computers. The IBM PS/2 Models 70 and 80 and the Color Graphic Adapter are among his early work. He holds three of IBM’s original nine PC patents.

Currently, Dean is vice president of performance for the RS/6000 Division. He was named an IBM fellow in 1996 and in 1997, received the Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award. Dean holds more than 20 patents. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1997.

Mark Dean
Dennis Moeller
Mark E. Dean and Dennis L. Moeller developed the improvements in computer architecture that allow IBM and compatible PCs to use high performance software and to work in tandem with peripheral devices. Their work enhanced the PC by enabling components to communicate with each other in a high-speed, efficient manner. The first commercial use of their patents was marketed in 1984 in the IBM PC/AT computer.

Related Innovations
Other Computer Peripherals
Black Inventors

©Mary Bellis