More Than a Manager

(Some ask me what it's like to be a STEM dean: what they do, who they work with, what inspires them, what are the challenges, and so on. This blog series tries to reflect and examine the many aspects of the job from my time at Minneapolis College during 2018-2024.)
​#SoYouWantToBeASTEMDean

Many people think all administrators do is managing, but a good dean is more than a capable manager. They must be a true leader—someone who actively pursues opportunities to elevate their team, who foresees and proactively solves crises, and who finds innovative ways to achieve goals despite limitations.

I'd like to share my self-appraisal for my annual evaluation at Minneapolis College during 2022-23. These questions and responses capture my VP's expectations and what I did to meet them. It's worth noting that none of the things in my report is about managing the status quo, such as faculty satisfaction or administrative competency. Those elements, while essential, represent minimum requirements rather than professional achievements. True academic leadership demands more—it requires vision, initiative, and the ability to drive meaningful change. 

FY23 Performance Review Self-Appraisal by Ben Weng