Acclaim for How to Be a Dean

The perfect book for new deans, as well as for anyone who aspires to be a dean, wants to take a leadership position in higher education, or has college leadership potential.”

— Kyoko Amano, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Education,
Lock Haven University

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

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

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