Recognizing the importance of preparation and ensuring that you have engaged in the necessary activities and experiences to thoroughly prepare for the many challenges that you will likely face as an academic dean, will enable you to “hit the ground running” and excel as an accomplished and respected academic dean. The preparation of an academic dean originates as an individual pursues various academic programs leading to the awarding of degrees that correspond with and prepare them to successfully enact the roles and responsibilities that they will have as an academic dean.