The Academic Deanship: Individual Careers and Institutional Roles

Rating:
Summary: What a great book for college administrators!
Review: There are a number of good books on the market for deans and other folks in college leadership roles. This one is different. It's aimed at new or prospective deans, for instance. The authors have drawn on their own experience and on what they have learned from MANY others in the business and have addressed all of the basic questions you ought to ask if you are thinking of being a dean (Why would I do this? Am I ready? How do I get in the game?). They have also given an honest apprisal of where the booby traps lie, and how to avoid them. They go through planning, budgets, personnel issues, relationships with other administrators, and legal matters. They even talk about how to tell when it's time to move on. This is practical, nuts and bolts stuff. If you're already a dean (or were one, or know one well), the book will give you some new perspectives on familiar ground. I wish I'd had it when I jumped into the game. I have recommended it to everyone I know.