Introduction: The Work of the Dean and the Life of the Mind

The life of the mind matters for the work of a dean. We tell students that a liberal arts education not only has intrinsic worth but will support them in work, life and civic engagement. Deans must lead by example in this regard. In these essays, four current or former deans or associate deans of colleges of arts and sciences describe what it means to nurture the life of the mind and to bring this perspective to their leadership roles. They discuss what difference that approach makes to their units and universities, illustrate the challenges they face in this endeavor, and offer suggestions about how our institutions, supervisors and we ourselves can create conditions for truly thoughtful leadership. Crucially, they ask where and how we all might draw energy and enthusiasm for such work. These authors also ask in what ways our institutions may or may not support the life of the mind of their leaders. What’s at stake? Who’s to benefit? In the first section, Donna LaVoie illustrates how reading her colleagues’ work enriches relationships. Daniel Press, the second author, suggests how administrative work itself may become a creative and mind-enriching endeavor. Brad Stone argues convincingly that slow time and boundaries are crucial for the life of the mind to flourish. Finally, Heidi Bostic builds upon these insights and suggests that we all need the support and resources that will enable us to put the life of the mind at the center of our leadership. These four authors hope to inspire and energize colleagues seeking a way to keep their work life-giving and relevant to the rapidly changing contexts of academic leadership. Given the myriad challenges facing higher education today, there has never been a time when mind-alive leaders mattered more.