You deserved that one. I've never heard of a college not telling you the name of your interviewer beforehand. And even if they didn't, didn't you properly introduce yourself to the interviewer beforehand, thus prompting them to introduce themselves...?

in a pre-google era, I would have agreed with you. in 2009, not so much.

There's a small chance the old dean will still have appreciated your honesty. Besides, maybe the old dean left for his/her own reasons - retirement, a better job offer, etc... It's probable the OP has hurt their chances but s/he shouldn't write themselves off entirely yet.

If the old dean is any sort of professional, they will look at what you said on its merits, not in the capacity as the former dean who has his/her feelings hurt

That sucks, and I'm pretty sure that if it's up to the former dean, he/she will very likely deny that scholarship because of personal reasons. However.... You have legal options here, you know. If you feel that you were denied the scholarship because of personal reasons mainly, then you can call the college, explain the situation, and ask to have another interview (fresh start) with somebody who is NOT the former dean! If they are not up front about that, explain to them about the laws against prejudice in the schools and workplaces, and that you WILL NOT HESITATE to seek legal guidance (aka a lawyer) if it is necessary. Lastly, tell them that you LOVE that school, you worked your whole life to get to that school.... and that you'd rather sue them to death and fight to the ends of the earth, than have your scholarship be denied on the simple fact that you said something that unknowingly offended somebody, who is SUPPOSED to be impartial! Also, I would advise you speak to the new dean. Since you were basically praising her, and you meant well, she will be many times more likely to see your plight, take that into account, and help you out.

"I've never heard of a college not telling you the name of your interviewer beforehand." Try applying to medical school sometime. At any rate, you people need to read over the FML again; in no way, shape, or form did the OP criticize the job the former dean had done; the OP only mentioned excitement for the direction the new dean would be taking the university in.

In life you are responsible for nothing other than being honest. It's not your fault that the former dean was lousy at his/ her job

And that's why you RESEARCH your interviewer, dumbass.

As long as you didn't directly insult the former dean, I think you'll be ok...

As someone who works in college administration, most of you don't know what you're talking about. Many colleges don't give you the name of your interviewer beforehand. So the OP likely didn't have a chance to research them. Secondly, many times the dean is a professor, and their responsibilities as dean cut into their teaching time. Often, the dean will step down in order to resume a full teaching schedule after serving a term. So it's highly likely this former dean wasn't replaced necessarily but chose to step down. Which makes the OP's situation worse.