I believe it is good for academics to take a turn in administration. It helps them to see how institutions function, and to befriend the people in the offices; it helps them to gain a broader picture of how universities operate, and where they fail; it helps them as individuals work more efficiently, given firmer pressures on schedules. And I think it is good for those turns to be limited.

Charlie Huenemann (Utah State) is finishing up a term as an associate dean and returning to his faculty position as professor of philosophy. He takes the opportunity to share his observations about being an administrator at his blog, Huenemanniac.