Twenty key administrators, 20 present and past department chairmen, and 60 faculty were surveyed on their perceptions of the role of the department chairman and the criteria used for selection of this position. Responses were elicited for 30 role statements and criteria for selection were examined through nine survey items. Fourteen of the 30 items showed agreement, with eight receiving strong responses which should be included in the department chairman's role set. Nine specific recommendations were made in order to clarify the position of department chairman in the areas of budget preparation, level of decision-making, submission of grant proposals, recruitment of faculty, maintenance of departmental equipment, specific roles the department chairman should not assume, and the setting of priorities. In the selection of departmental chairmen it was recommended that leadership ability, the ability to get along with others, administrative ability, and experience in the education profession be the major criteria. Professional reputation and teaching ability were recommended as minor criteria to be used in selecting department chairmen. Among appendices are the survey questionnaire and survey letters. A bibliography of selected reading is included. (Author/PHR)