Once a Dean: Some Reflections

Abstract

A former dean shares observations from 15 years as dean in an ed school. The major dilemma faced by ed school deans and faculties is how to resolve the confusion over mission-should ed schools emphasize the teacher and administrator education missions to the detriment and perhaps the exclusion of the graduate and research missions? Four activities that belong on a dean's To Do list are discussed: (a) educating faculty and central administration, (b). compiling data, (c) building a development fund, and (d) hiring faculty. The author also addresses problems and prospects for deans in the 1990s.