A four-variable equation to predict administrative effectiveness of academic deans was derived from 17 variables by discriminant analysis. The study objective was to validate four indicators of administrator effectiveness. If the four variables were found to discriminate between effective and ineffective deans, search-screening committees could give special attention to these indicators as they interview candidates for a leadership position. Two groups consisting of presidents and vice-presidents for academic affairs from universities rated "poor" and "outstanding" academic deans on their campus on the following variables: intellectual efficiency, flexibility, knowledge about position, and judgment. An administrative effectiveness score was developed using the discriminate weights of the four variables. The average administrative effectiveness score for the poor deans was minus .96, and 53 percent were perfectly classified. The average administrative effectiveness score for the outstanding deans was .68, and 33 percent were perfectly classified. The outcome was an administrative effectiveness continuum of discriminate function weights bounded by plus or minus .94. It is suggested that search committees can use the four variables in interviews with candidates for dean positions. (Author/SW)