Dean Nakamura was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, spending the majority of his time exploring the outdoors. After graduating from Portland Adventist Academy, he decided to go to Walla Walla University without a firm grasp on what degree to pursue. It was at the end of his sophomore year that the head dean of the men’s dorm encouraged him to take a year as an assistant dean for Gem State Academy. That year at Gem State guided him to a path of pursuing a career as a dean. Graduating Walla Walla University with a degree in communications, he fully committed to a career in residence life. In his free time, Dean Nakamura loves hiking and fishing in alpine lakes, hammock camping, and visiting friends and family.