The dean is the School's representative to the University's central administration. Indeed, the dean is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the President of the University, not the faculty of the school. I am very proud of their work and their dedication to service. Questions and difficult issues are brought to my attention during regular meetings with the associate and assistant deans. The library is under the direction of an associate dean.
Administration is under two assistant deans, one for student affairs and one for administration.
A third assistant dean manages our ever-expanding high tech program. Thus, a faculty committee, not the dean, grants waivers from academic rules. The dean represents the school to alumni and to the community. I participate in alumni events such as reunions. In this age, deans must also do what they can to raise funds from alumni, neighbors, and friends of the school.