The Resource Handbook for Academic Deans, Third Edition This thoroughly revised volume is written by and for academic administrators. Each chapter explores a particular challenge or issue that has been identified by the American Conference of Academic Deans (ACAD) members as most relevant in their role as academic leaders, then provides practical step-by-step guidance that can help deans navigate even the toughest of situations. “There is no map for thriving as a dean, but this handbook offers an essential guidebook and compass for the journey. Both informed and inspired, it is above all humane in presenting the purpose, practice, and privilege of a dean’s good work.” —William J. Craft, president, Concordia College “Academic deans, both new and seasoned, will benefit enormously from this collection of ruminations by experienced and successful academic leaders on the issues that are most prominent and often most vexing for those who enter the arena of academic leadership. For newcomers to the deanery, this handbook will be an eye-opener; and for veteran deans, a helpful reminder of both first principles and best practices.” —Richard Ekman, president, The Council of Independent Colleges “ACAD meetings and electronic communications are marked by collaboration and by sharing means for encouraging faculty and student success. The handbook exemplifies that spirit of collaboration as members articulate their candid and helpful recommendations for enhancing work with faculty and students.” —Scott E. Evenbeck, president, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College “ACAD has created an extraordinary resource for the entire postsecondary community. For new and seasoned deans alike, the ACAD handbook offers a wealth of generous, wise, and practical guidance. Presenting lessons learned both from lived experiences and from organizational scholarship, the handbook will help deans succeed in their myriad essential roles.” —Carol Geary Schneider, president, Association of American Colleges and Universities American Conference of Academic Deans (ACAD) is a nonprofit individual membership organization dedicated to the professional development of academic leaders. ACAD’s mission is to assist these leaders as they advance in careers dedicated to the ideals of liberal education.

"This volume is written by and for academic leaders in higher education. Each chapter explores a topic related to how administrative leaders are influenced by national events, local partnerships, or on-campus collaborations"--

This essential guide addresses the expanding, multifaceted role of college and university academic leaders. The new edition of the Resource Handbook for Academic Deans, one of the most important offerings to the academic community by the American Conference of Academic Deans, is written by and for academic leaders to address the expanding, multifaceted role of college and university administrators. Each chapter explores a topic related to how higher education leaders are influenced by national events, local partnerships, or on-campus collaborations. Among the topics covered are: • understanding educational policy at the national level • working with leaders from department heads to provosts • engaging with external partners • leading collaborative change at small colleges and universities • shifting toward student-centered campuses • making data-informed decisions • embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion • managing and balancing salaries • building effective leadership teams and mentoring future leaders • holding difficult conversations • returning to the faculty after leadership Providing helpful advice that can be studied in short chapters and inspiring content based on personal experience, the forty-three authors in this volume hold positions from department chairs to presidents at four-year and community colleges across the country. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid calls for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, each chapter offers perceptive insights from experienced leaders who serve a broad range of institutional types.