Three graduate deans at large state supported universities (University of Oklahoma, University of Washington, and University of Louisville, Kentucky) who are heavily involved in both graduate education and research administration examine trends in higher education as applied to their roles. Areas in which the role of the graduate dean has changed considerably in recent years include: increased interaction with for-profit firms, growth of "nontraditional" programs, growth of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary centers, graduate recruitment, university and economic development and diversification, and involvement in fundraising. It is concluded that overall, the graduate dean is experiencing a decrease in personal involvement with graduate students and faculty and an increase in interaction with the graduate research arena and the world outside the university. (DB)