Synopses & Reviews
A deanship was once thought of as the crowning achievement at the end of an academic career. Today the very nature of the job has changed, and a dean may hold several deanships over the course of her life as an educator. A deanship is now seen as more of a phase in an overall academic career than as a permanent shift from teaching to administration.
Illuminating both the challenges and rewards of the job, this down-to-earth book provides aspiring and new deans with a useful guide for working through the often complex process of assuming and managing the role of dean. Written by David F. Bright and Mary P. Richards— who together have served nine deanships at six different institutions— The Academic Deanship combines the unique perspective of these two experienced deans. It contains information on how to approach the interview process and the new job, a thoughtful assessment of the deanship in its wider context, and reflections on how to know when it is right to move in or out of the dean's office.
The Academic Deanship offers a realistic look at the role a dean plays on campus and
- Outlines the skills and duties required of a dean
- Explains what is involved in the process of candidacy
- Clarifies the many obligations a dean faces as chief administrator
- Explores how to transition into a deanship and evaluate progress after six months
- Explains how to select, evaluate, and support department chairs
- Discusses the basics of budgeting and allocating resources
- Defines the responsibility of the dean in encouraging academic excellence throughout the campus
Based on the authors' years of experience,
The Academic Deanship reveals how to transition gracefully from the role of dean and make the choice of continuing on in administration or returning to full-time teaching and scholarship.
Review
"This volume should be required reading for anyone assuming the role of dean and anyone remotely interested in the prospect." (The Department Chair, Spring 2002)
Review
"
The Academic Deanship offers clear, balanced, and comprehensive advice that, if heeded, should save future deans from a variety of painful mistakes and occupational hazards."
— Richard Saller, dean, Social Sciences Division, University of Chicago
"David Bright and Mary Richards have combined their sixteen plus years of deanships to reveal the 'why, what, and where' of what many call the most interesting and satisfying of academic jobs. Aimed at those who aspire to be dean as well as those currently sitting, standing, or running as dean, this volume will entertain, enlighten, and educate all readers."
— Ernie Peck, executive director, Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences. Arizona State University
"Regardless of background, the job of academic dean holds surprises for anyone. The Academic Deanship provides a roadmap into the 'wilderness' for new deans and those who wish to be."
— David L. Shrock, dean, College of Business Administration, Marquette University
"This is a book that a dean will return to time and time again to find practical advice as well as perspective on the many issues that emerge each day. It is the type of resource guide that I would have found valuable when I assumed the deanship."
— Glenda D. Price, president, Marygrove College, Detroit, Michigan
Synopsis
A deanship is now seen as more of a phase in an overall academic career than as a permanent shift from teaching to administration. In fact, the nature of the job itself has changed, as has the range of likely options at the end of a dean's tenure. This book serves as a guide for the aspiring or new dean, offering practical advice on how to approach the interview process and the new job, as well as providing a thoughtful assessment of the deanship in its wider context. The authors--both experienced academic deans at a variety of institutions--encourage the new or experienced dean to reflect on the larger issues, and address the realities of deaning from several perspectives in efforts to illuminate both the challenges and rewards of the job.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
About the Author
David F. Bright is professor of classics and comparative literature at Emory University. He has held a variety of administrative positions ranging from department chair to vice president to dean of arts and sciences. He has held deanships at three institutions.
Mary P. Richards is professor of English at the University of Delaware. She has held six deanships or associate deanships at various institutions, most recently as dean of arts and science at the University of Delaware.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
The Authors.
Part 1 Becoming A Dean.
1 The Map and the Crossword: Ways to Think about Being a Dean.
The Map.
The Crossword Puzzle.
Deaning as Part of an Ongoing Academic Career.
2 What It Takes to Be a Dean.
Relevant Credentials and Experience.
Necessary Skills and Expected Duties.
How Do I Match Up?
Do I Want a Deanship?
3 Finding the Right Position.
Dean of What?
What Is Available?
Application and Nomination.
Resumes and References.
Letter.
Interviews.
Offer.
Part 2 Administering the College.
4 The Shift to the Dean's Office.
Setting Up and Settling In.
Needing Immediate Attention.
The First Full Round.
5 Balances of Power.
The Office Staff.
Faculty Governance.
Faculty Unions.
6 Departments, Programs, and Their Leaders.
Dealing with the Multiple Identities of Departments.
Working with Departments and DEOs.
Selecting DEOs.
Supporting the DEOs.
Part 3 The Work of the Dean.
7 Planning.
Preliminaries.
Where and How to Begin: Top-Down or Bottom-Up?
The Planning Committee.
Developing the Plan.
Refining the Plan.
Implementing the Plan.
Pitfalls.
8 Budgets and Resources.
Budget Assistant.
When There's Month Left at the End of the Money.
Budget Proposals.
Grants and Contracts.
Outcomes.
Personnel.
Physical Facilities.
Technology.
9 Faculty Development.
Recruiting Faculty.
Mentoring.
Developing Teaching.
Encouraging Research.
Academic Citizenship.
Evaluation.
Reward and Support System.
Dealing with External Offers.
Retooling and Retirement.
10 The Dean's Role in Academic Programs.
Types of Programs.
The Dean's Role.
Reviewing Programs.
Special Problems.
Maintaining the Curriculum.
11 Working with Students.
The Dean's Responsibility to Students.
The Dean's Office and Students.
Student Problems.
Learning from Students.
12 Legal Issues and Other Special Challenges.
Legal Issues.
Grievances.
Sexual Harassment.
Special Challenges for Women and Minority Deans.
Part 4 Beyond the College.
13 The Provost.
The Provost's Role.
Reporting to the Provost.
Establishing a Relationship with the Provost.
The Importance of Communication and Candor.
Performance Reviews.
14 Other Deans and Directors.
Deans as a Natural Cohort.
Directors.
Working with the Other Deans.
Cooperating on the Academic Agenda.
The Wider Community of Deans.
15 External Relations.
Alumni.
Parents.
College Publications and Publicity.
Advisory Councils.
Media Relations.
Development.
16 Beyond Deaning: Building a Balanced Career.
Maintaining an Academic Identity.
Endgame.
The Decanal Afterlife.
References.
Index.