academic deanship Archives - ABHE Knowledge Center

Lessons Learned in the Academic Deanship: Reflections on My First Six Years of Service

During my six years of service as chief academic officer, I have come to understand that my initial perceptions of the role were inaccurate, or at least insufficient. The role of academic dean is much broader and deeper than a checklist of organizational tasks to be completed. It is a position of influence, through which the purposes of God can be accomplished in our institutions, if we are willing to serve Him humbly and faithfully.

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The Work of a Dean

To be named dean of a theological college or seminary is both a great privilege and an immense responsibility. Most come to that position from the ranks of the faculty and find themselves more comfortable in the classroom than in the dean’s office. Their situation is not eased by access to helpful literature. A recent study suggests that the academic deanship is the least studied and most misunderstood position in the academy (Bruess, McLean, and Sun 2003, 2).

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