The Office of the Executive Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
As with all senior college administrators, the Executive Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences has a dual role that involves both college academic and administrative leadership.
With respect to academic/intellectual leadership, the executive dean sets the tone for the college by working proactively to articulate the college's shared basic academic values and goals which are inextricably tied to the liberal arts philosophy of education. In this sense the executive dean tries to ensure that the liberal education philosophy comes alive in defining academic climate and driving the teaching, research and application activities of the college.
Second, the executive dean has oversight for the college's governance system which is based on the core values of collegiality and excellence. The executive dean ensures that these core values are applied consistently and as a matter of routine to all governance issues and decisions. The executive dean assures that the Arts and Sciences governance system will be known for good information sharing, good consultation and planning, clear communication of decisions, good follow-up to ensure that decisions are properly and fairly implemented, timely problem solving, and the willingness to evaluate the overall performance of the college.
Finally, the executive dean oversees the day-to-day college administrative operations and activities to ensure that the college runs effectively and efficiently. The executive dean also represents the College of Arts and Sciences within the university and the community at large. Within the university, the task is to articulate a single consistent vision for the Arts and Sciences and to enhance the centrality of a liberal arts education on campus. To the larger community, the executive dean will advocate to various constituencies the importance of a liberal education in nurturing the educated citizen for a democratic and global society with the goal of developing strong community supporters of the Arts and Sciences.
Divisional Deans of Arts and Sciences
The divisional deans provide unit leadership. That is, in accord with the governance philosophy and mission of the College of Arts and Sciences, divisional deans establish values and direction, and institute collegial governance systems for their divisions. Furthermore, they oversee a range of academic activities and administrative operations, including program and curriculum development, and budget and personnel matters. They also serve as direct links to the university administration via the executive dean and as liaisons to other units on campus and to the broader community.