Abstract
This article presents a presidential perspective on the responsibilities and qualities that define an ideal dean. It organizes these expectations into four areas: academic and professional standing, relations with faculty and chairs, relations with students, and relations with other administrators. The ideal dean demonstrates professional visibility, leadership in curriculum and research, broad institutional experience, and credibility within the academic community. In working with faculty, the dean cultivates rapport, ensures fairness in governance, distributes resources transparently, and maintains high standards in teaching and scholarship. Effective deans also engage with students through teaching, advising oversight, and recruitment. Administratively, deans are expected to collaborate with peers, interpret policy responsibly, and support institutional priorities. The article concludes by identifying leadership pitfalls and emphasizing the need for reflective and balanced administrative judgment.
Recommended Citation
Zacharias, Donald W.
(1985)
"A President Interprets the Roles and Powers of the Ideal Dean,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 52, Article 9.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol52/iss1/9
