Ulis Dean Hekel, CDR, USN (Ret.)
Inducted April 2021

In September, 1991, Commander Dean Hekel, Unit Executive Officer from 1986 to 1991, retired from the Navy after 26 years of commissioned service.  A native of Monroe, Iowa, Dean enlisted in the Navy in 1958 and completed electronic technician training and earned enlisted dolphins.  He then attended Purdue University as a student in the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering.  After commissioning he completed submarine school and then served in numerous afloat and ashore submarine warfare assignments, including command of USS TANG (SS-563). 

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Dean's tour in Madison was the fact that he was also commanding officer of the Unit twice.  The first time was from July 1988 to January 1989, covering the period from the detachment of CAPT Dave Kletter and the arrival of CAPT Gary Beck.  The second time was for the period May to August of 1991, upon the retirement of CAPT Beck until the arrival of CAPT Richard Fenn.  Enduring attributes of Dean's tour were intense personal concern, support, and encouragement for the midshipmen and officer candidates.  A number of officers commissioned through the UW NROTC program owe much to Dean and his patience and confidence.

Following retirement from the Navy, Dean completed studies for and was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood.  He has served at several area Episcopal parishes and continues his ministry as a chaplain at the Madison VA hospital.  He has also served for nearly three decades as de facto chaplain of the UW NROTC Unit and has been a long-time board member of its Alumni Association.

For his devotion to the Navy, the UW NROTC Unit, veterans and the needy, Dean is richly deserving of recognition by the UW NROTC and its Alumni Association and the designation as a Distinguished Alumnus.