Dean for Academic Affairs: records and publications

Traditionally, the presidents and deans of Bowdoin College were teaching members of the College. As the College grew, administrative functions became more numerous and the president delegated some governing duties to other administrators. In many cases, new positions were created to assist the president with the administration of the College.

The 1956 self-study report determined that the College was under-administered in several key areas. In 1961, the Committee for Academic Efficiency was established to address the problem. The committee reduced the number of faculty committees of executive and clerical function by increasing the administrative, secretarial and clerical staff. This allowed the committees to concentrate on educational policy.

The position of Dean of the Faculty was created in 1966 by a vote of the Governing Boards. The mandate for the position included responsibility for coordinating with the chairs of the various departments and committees to set policy on curriculum and academic standards as well as on matters relating to faculty recruitment, appointment, promotion or termination. Additionally, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty was charged with producing the faculty handbook, the oversight of the College libraries and museums and the Breckinridge Public Affairs Center.

The position of Dean of the Faculty was renamed the Dean for Academic Affairs as part of a college restructuring in 1991 following the appointment of President Robert H. Edwards.