Celebrity Deans

[DFW HOYA]

Howard University has announced the new dean of its school of fine arts: Phylicia Rashad.

Rashad, 72, is best known for her eight years on NBC's Cosby Show (1984-92). But since graduating with a BA in 1970, she has no graduate degree.

While celebrity deans are rare (the dean of the USC school of journalism is former entertainment reporter and "NBA Inside Stuff" host Willow Bay), it begs the question: how effective are non-traditional hires for a decanal position?

newsroom.howard.edu/newsroom/static/14391/howard-university-announces-legendary-actress-alumna-phylicia-rashad-dean

[C86]

I think it depends on your definition of effective. If the Dean's primary mission is to raise the profile of the School of Fine Arts (and, of course raise money) then it's highly effective. If the mission is to reform the school budgeting process or update the degree requirements, then it's probably not a great hire.

[DFW HOYA]

May 12, 2021 13:30:55 GMT -5 C86 said:

I think it depends on your definition of effective. If the Dean's primary mission is to raise the profile of the School of Fine Arts (and, of course raise money) then it's highly effective. If the mission is to reform the school budgeting process or update the degree requirements, then it's probably not a great hire.

The life of a dean is not all fundraising--lots and lots of meetings, faculty recruiting, budgets, recommendations on rank and tenure, course development and reviews, etc., maybe even teach a couple of courses on her own. I'm not saying a non-academic can't do all this, but that's a full plate.