1. Up, Down, Over, or Out? Exit Options for a Successful Business School Dean
J. Howard Finch, Samford University
Faye S. McIntyre, University of West Georgia

2. Purpose of Research
To examine the career alternatives following the conclusion of a successful deanship

3. Survey Findings: Intentions of Deans
Source: AACSB 2007

4. Exit Strategy Options Provost Up President Other Exit Decisions Down
Faculty
Over
New Deanship
Exit Academia
Out
Retire

5. Up: University Provost
Positives
Negatives
Natural administrative progression
Enhanced salary
No fundraising
Chance to impact entire university
Tremendous stress and responsibilities
State and campus politics
Leaving business school
Managing business dean
Relocation possible

6. Up: University President
Positives
Negatives
Pinnacle of academic career
Legacy status
Strong prestige
Highest possible salary
Leverage dean experience
Tremendous stress and responsibility
Plethora of constituents
Media relations
Nonacademic Issues (athletics, Greek system, housing, etc.)
State and campus politics
Enhanced fundraising
Relocation likely

7. Up: VP Advancement Positives Negatives Enhanced fundraising skills
Salary and benefits
Stepping-stone to presidency (?)
Outside of business school
Outside of academic affairs

8. Up: VP Business and Financial Affairs
Positives
Negatives
Enhanced budget skills on larger scale
Salary and benefits (?)
Stepping-stone to presidency (?)
Outside of business school
Outside of academic affairs

9. Down: Return to Faculty
Positives
Negatives
Reduced stress and responsibility
No relocation
Still in business school
Sabbatical (?)
Return to classroom
Freedom of time
Working with former subordinates
Restart research agenda
Reduced salary
Potential conflicts working for successor
Teaching and grading
Gaps in discipline and technology

10. Over: Other Deanship Positives Negatives Enhanced salary
Fresh start – new challenge and new administration
Builds on experience
Still in business school
Continuity in AACSB and peer groups
Relocation
Learn new community
Learn new culture
Form New Leadership Team

11. Out: Opportunities Outside the Academy
Positives
Negatives
Private sector leadership roles
Public sector leadership roles
Public service
Consulting
End of academic career
Loss of academic lifestyle

12. Out: Retirement Positives Negatives Gift of time
Clean break from and for successor
No politics or responsibilities
Ability to enjoy next phase of life
No relocation required
Reduced income
Loss of daily engagement
Possible loss of identify
Possible family stress

13. One Final Thought All deanships are finite.
Recognition that the exit question is not one of if but of when and how, will benefit the individual and the business school to which so much time, energy, and talent have been devoted.

14. Thank you!