Despite deans playing critical roles in education, little is known about the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for the job, or the practical dilemmas they face on an almost daily basis. Each chapter of this international collection opens the role up for examination and critique, developing a deeper understanding of what it means to be a dean, and offering insights into the transition into the role, managing the daily demands and expectations of it, and what it means to exit the deanship.

Part 1: Becoming A Process of Change: The Transition to Becoming a Dean John Loughran. Becoming a Dean: The Journey Ric Hovda. A Dean's Roles in Different Contexts: Simply a Matter of Boundary Crossing? Douwe Beijaard Part 2: Being The Dean as Cultural Leader Michael Schratz. Fortress Days¿1278 of Them Peter Gronn. The Impossible Dream: Doing 'Deanship' with Pessimistic Optimism Jennifer M. GorePart 3: Doing One Dean's "External Experiences" and the Impact on College Priorities Donna L. Wiseman. At Your Service: An Associate Dean's Contributions to Professional Education and Beyond Renée T. Clift. Towards a Shared Vision Annette LaGrangePart 4: Leaving Outside the Circle of Knowing: Life Beyond the Dean's Office Geoffrey E. Mills. The art of Diplomacy: Looking Back at the Position as Head of Teacher Education Kari Smith. Deaning a Joy Forever? Theo Wubbels International Deanship: A Rear-View Mirror Analysis Cheryl Craig.