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).