A dean is a senior administrator at a college or university. Deans oversee academic units: a college of arts and sciences, a school of business, a faculty of medicine. They manage budgets, hire and evaluate faculty, and set academic policy. The role sits between the faculty and the upper administration.

There are many kinds of deans. A dean of students handles student life and discipline. A dean of admissions oversees recruitment and selection. An associate dean handles specific tasks like research or undergraduate affairs. The titles multiply with the size of the institution.

Deans do less teaching and research than professors. Their job is leadership and administration. Good deans advocate for their faculty while also enforcing university priorities. The tension between those two roles is constant. A dean who alienates faculty will struggle. One who ignores the provost will not last long either.

Common dean roles

• Dean of a college or school
• Dean of students
• Dean of admissions
• Associate or assistant dean
• Interim dean