The role and attributes of deans of nursing as administrators of baccalaureate or higher degree programs are considered by six deans who contributed to a continuing education workshop series. In addition to outlining skills and attributes needed by administrators, Elizabeth Grossman examines five basic administrative functions: planning, organizing, leading or implementing, controlling, and evaluating. Administrative concerns discussed by Patty L. Hawken include: budgeting for an entire school, determining the dividing line between administrative and faculty responsibilities, planning, facilitating, coordinating, and communicating. Nan B. Hechenberger's concept of administration of nursing education probes roles and relationships of the dean as they pertain to the organizational functions of academic, faculty, and student affairs, development (including alumni, public, and governmental relations), and finances. Valencia N. Prock has attempted to uphold three basic concepts in her deanship: the presence of academic freedom, excellence in meeting the mission of the school through long-range planning of goals and appointment of qualified faculty, and shared authority in faculty governance. According to Mary E. Reres, the dean as an administrator should be able to predict over a three-year period the major social changes that will affect the school or college under her direction. Among the topics addressed by Doris B. Yingling are leadership style of the dean, activities pursued outside versus inside the university, risk-taking, visibility, communications, and budgets. Bibliographies are included. (SW)