This book addresses the numerous challenges that academic deans need to understand and address throughout a successful career in academic administration. It provides essential guidance regarding the various aspects of professional and institutional success, including what academic deans need to know and the role that each topic plays in contributing to professional and institutional success.

Each of the nine chapters considers essential aspects of becoming and remaining a successful, transformational, and resilient academic dean including: (1) contemporary higher education; (2) the academic deanship; (3) roles and responsibilities of an academic dean; (4) working with stakeholders; (5) career advancement and success; (6) preparing yourself; (7) preparing your people; (8) preparing your organization; and (9) ensuring continued professional and institutional success.

The mission of the book is to contribute to the success of readers throughout their careers as academic deans and enhance not only their professional success and resilience, but also that of the institutions that they manage and lead as transformational and visionary leaders. It prepares individuals for career success as an academic dean through equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence that enables them to ensure the present and future success, resilience, and survival of institutions that they have the privilege to manage and lead as academic deans. The book is intended for both those who aspire to these positions as well as those currently serving as academic deans, associate deans, assistant deans, or in related leadership positions.