The Board of Trustees is vested with ultimate governing powers including responsibilities for policy determination and management of resources. As stipulated in The Bylaws of Emory University , the President is the chief executive and administrative officer of the University, responsible to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees, at its discretion, on nomination of the President of Emory, elects vice-presidents of Emory with responsibility for the performance of duties assigned by the President. As shown on the organizational chart following this section, there are several such positions. In addition, Emory's structure includes ten school deans and additional administrative officers as are deemed necessary to carry out the mission of Emory.
Most schools have faculty executive committees with responsibilities in specific areas.
Consequently, Emory operates through a relatively complex and flexible organizational structure. Such flexibility is essential in order for Emory to meet the varying and diverse needs of its respective schools and divisions.