Dean Whitbeck

Dean Whitbeck is an experienced educator, photographer, and entrepreneur currently serving as Adjunct Faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts. As Co-Founder of Jake + Dean Uncommon Coasters, Dean Whitbeck specializes in product design using authentic artifacts and leads Project RePurpose, which supports educational initiatives. The founding of deanWHITBECK highlights expertise in visual campaigns that enhance brand social missions, working with clients such as Capital One and Apple. As Workforce Strategist at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Dean Whitbeck designs programs that improve workforce training opportunities. Previous roles include Communications Strategist at ART 180 and Education Program Director at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, alongside directing a Federal Technology Innovation Challenge Grant at Oakland Unified School District. Educational background includes a Graduate Fellowship from Yale University and two degrees from Saint Mary's College of California.