Dean Dobbins

“Success be our Destiny” was the motto for Hancock Central High School’s class of 1965. Dean Dobbins remembers that saying. As he reflects, he is grateful for the successes experienced throughout his life. The educational foundation he obtained at Hancock Central motivated and propelled him to always seek excellence as he learned, worked, and served through various opportunities in life.

Throughout middle school and high school, Dean recalls having several sharp, young teachers under the leadership of Principal M.K. Holzhausen. These teachers brought out the best in students. He was especially thankful for his high school math teacher who recognized his math abilities and gave him individualized advanced studies.

After graduation, Dean furthered his education at Purdue University – the first in both his paternal and maternal families to go to college. It was a big deal for a poor farmer’s son to pursue a college degree – and pursue he did! After an initial focus on engineering, Dean switched to Animal Science/Premed. Following his bachelor’s degree, he continued his education getting his juris doctorate law degree from Indiana University School of Law in 1972. He was Pledge Class President and first Vice President of Farm House Fraternity and was elected by the Purdue Student Senate to represent all sororities and fraternities. He was the 1971 President and 1972 Chairman of the Board for the Indianapolis Moot Court board. Additionally, as reported by the Indianapolis Star, Dean was the first in Indiana to attend both law school and medical school (forensic pathology: highest level senior elective course for medical students) simultaneously.

Many experiences in high school and college offered Dean a way to develop leadership skills. Says Dean, “FFA and 4-H provided much of the training and basis for a leadership role throughout my life.” He continued in leadership roles in law school, then began his career as a law clerk for the Chief Judge, US District Court, Southern District of Indiana. While in that role he became a member of the American Bar Association and was admitted to all courts in Indiana – the US District Court, Southern District of IN and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In 1987 he was admitted to the US Supreme Court. Dean’s first term as the Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney came in 1975. The second arrived in 2007. He is especially proud of the child support and victims’ assistance programs that developed into a top Indiana program under his watch. In between those terms, Dean actively engaged in providing excellence in law through his own Greenfield firm. His nominators, Gary and Marcia Hunt, testify to his compassion and excellent professional assistance in several legal issues. “To say that he has had a lifetime of always doing his best would be an understatement,” they say. “But, he has not forgotten the human element in life – of being interested in the welfare of people.”

Dean’s excellence in service, working for the benefit of others, and leading through example have been seen through many interactions and activities. He served on the boards of Indiana Prosecuting Attorney Council, the U.S. Law Enforcement Assistance Administration Region 5, and as charter president of Hancock County Law Enforcement Council. He also served as President of the Hancock County Bar Association and the IN State Bar Association Board of Governors; Indiana State Child Support Director; chairman of Law Practice Management Section; Pioneering Member of Indiana Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program Committee (appointed by Indiana Supreme Court); many years as a delegate for the Indiana State Bar Association; as well as state chairman of the largest section of the Indiana State Bar Association: General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section. Dean was on the Greater Greenfield Chamber of Commerce board from 1991-1994 serving as President in 1992 and Chairman of the Board in 1993.

He was honored with the U.S. Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of America Award, the U.S. Law Enforcement Award, and the Master Fellow Award of Indiana State Bar Foundation. In 1997 Dean received the American Bar Association General Practice Link Bar Leader of the Year Award. In addition to highlighting his service to the legal community, his nominator said, “Under the leadership of Dean Dobbins (Chair of the ISBA GP Solo and Small Firm Section) the section has branched out, introducing computer technology, Internet and web pages for lawyers throughout Indiana.” In 2003, he received the ISBA General Practice Solo and Small Firm “Hall of Fame” recognition. Dean was a charter inductee (one of five) and was recommended by then Judge Richard Culver for, “his high standard of ethics and professional competency that are exhibited to your clients, the legal profession and your community.” Jeanne Hamilton (former HC Superior Court Judge) also said, “Dean is a consistent leader. No matter what he is involved in, he is a leader. Combined with his leadership skills, Dean has a very high standard of ethics and respect for each individual human being.”

Part of a family that called Hancock County home for six generations, Dean always had a great interest in the community life of Hancock County. He was part of Greenfield Sertoma and the Rotary Club of Greenfield serving in multiple offices for both clubs, including President. His attentiveness drove him to be involved in two national certified wildlife habitats – Hancock County’s Shallow Wildlife Pond and National Certified Wildlife Habitat and the Loveland Colorado Backyard Habitat. His work on the historic landmark restoration of the Howard-Dobbins building garnered recognition in 1987. His building was rated outstanding by the Greenfield Board of Historic Review and noted as “one of the best preserved and restored” of structures that line Hwy 40 in Greenfield.

Dean has 2 two children. He and his wife have enjoyed 45 years of marriage travelling all seven continents and retired in Colorado. They do keep close tabs on the local happenings in Greenfield as they continue to be interested in the well-being of their home-town friends and neighbors. Congratulations Dean, for your drive for excellence in leadership and service!