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.

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.