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For more than 50 years, Dean has delivered its passengers across the state of Michigan with safety, compassion and comfort in mind at every turn. No matter who you are or where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
Family History
Answering The Call Of Those In Need
Established in the early 1950s by Eric Christianson, Dean was born out of a recognized need for transportation services for students affected by polio in Lansing area schools. In 1969, the company was officially named Special Transportation by Lyle L. Stephens, a former Michigan State Police motor carrier lieutenant and a leader in passenger safety, with a focus on providing services to special education students and those with disabilities.
In 1986, Kellie P. Dean, who currently serves as Dean’s President & CEO, joined Stephens, leaving a position in the Lansing School District after 14 years. While working for the district, Dean was a teachers’ aide, special education teacher and special education administrator in charge of the programs for the physically or otherwise health- and hearing-impaired. Dean is a graduate of the Michigan State University College of Education and holds an undergraduate degree in special education and a master’s degree in school administration.
A Leader In Transportation Safety Emerges
In 1991, Special Transportation changed its name to Dean Transportation Inc.
Dean has twice been named the top school bus company in North America and recently received two environmental awards for its commitment to clean transportation.

Veteran hiring commitment
Committed to helping America's military veterans find work
Pay equality pledge
Committed to paying equitably for equal work & experience
Career advancement program
Helping employees "upskill" into higher-paying positions
First job programs
Maintain entry-level hiring and career development programs to give people career starts
Social responsibility pledge
Formal programs or foundation to give back to communities
Employee reviews