Continuous changes and unpredictability create a complex environment for managers of academic affairs. What is the dean's role in the community college environment and how can he or she fulfill his or her obligations? This digest focuses on four main areas: the dean's role in the community college, the daily decisions and conflicts facing managers of academic affairs, management concerns, and professional development. Trying to manage diverse populations with a variety of needs can be daunting and pose problems for academic deans. Clarifying the role of the managers of academic affairs and defining their responsibilities are crucial to understanding the nature of the job. Because deans must make difficult decisions, dealing appropriately with conflict that results from those decisions is a determinant of how effectively the dean manages the academic affairs at an institution. Hence, information and communication are key elements for deans in carrying out the day-to-day activities at the community college. Effective leadership and a broad base of knowledge are tools necessary to help the manager of academic affairs lead the institution into the future. Contains 11 references. (VWC)