How to Be a Dean

"If you're a dean, and you want a friend, get a dog. But if you're thinking of becoming a dean or want to know what deaning might involve, George Justice's report from the field offers a place to start: a clear-eyed, experienced view of a little-understood, and increasingly complex, part of American higher ed."—William Germano, former Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The Cooper Union

"George Justice's How to be a Dean is sharp-eyed and comprehensive. Focused on the practical, day-to-day realities of working as an academic dean, this book promises to remain a definitive guide for years to come."—Larry Rodgers, Dean, College of Liberal Arts, Oregon State University

"George Justice is in a unique position to write this book since he served as a graduate dean and an academic line dean. He considers matters from the practical to a broader philosophical view of the deanship. This volume is a must-read for new deans or those considering serving as dean."—John Z. Kiss, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

"Justice is adept at exploring pragmatic issues, from assessing the major responsibilities, managing up, and gauging when it is time to stop. I particularly appreciated the candid assessments on these topics that are frequently absent from other volumes on academic leadership."—Pamela J. Benoit, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Alabama at Birmingham

"Required reading for anyone interested in the inner workings of colleges and universities. Writing with humor, insight, and the wisdom of a veteran academic leader, Justice offers a refreshingly pragmatic 'how to' approach to the complexities of academic leadership. His counsel will be invaluable for aspiring leaders and veterans alike."—Carolyn Dever, former Provost, Dartmouth College

"How to Be a Dean reads like a chat with a trusted colleague. Justice provides quick reference points on all of the dean's daily work. But more importantly, he reminds us that effective deans do more than just manage; they sustain and advance the collective mission of higher education."—Adrienne McCormick, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Winthrop University

"How to Be a Dean provides deans and those who aspire to the office a very thoughtful account of the work involved. Justice relates real-world experiences that even the most seasoned dean would find useful in navigating an ever-changing administrative landscape that requires good management skills as well as leadership acumen."—Charles E. Menifield, Dean, School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University Newark

"In How to Be a Dean, Justice offers a lucid account of the expectations and demands across the full range of a dean's responsibilities. His discussion is rich with personal perspectives and practical wisdom earned through years of experience. Especially recommended for new deans or those first considering a deanship."—Tyrus H. Miller, Dean, School of Humanities, University of California, Irvine

"George Justice provides pragmatic, thought-provoking advice for deans on how to serve as both academic leaders and middle managers. How To Be a Dean is an essential handbook for those seeking the deanship, serving as dean, or wanting to understand the nuances of academic administration."—Jennifer Drake, Provost and Vice President for Student & Academic Life, The Evergreen State College