The mission of the American Conference of Academic Deans (ACAD) is to provide academic leaders who share a commitment to student learning and to the ideals of liberal education with networking and professional development opportunities and to support them in their work as educational leaders. One of the important resources ACAD offers it members is this handbook written for and by academic deans.  Since the publication of the second edition in 2007, higher education has changed significantly and as a result, so has the role of the dean. For example, there are increasing fundraising expectations and enhanced opportunities and challenges in using technology. The new third edition of the Handbook will address the work of a dean, from building a relationship with the president to deciding when to leave a deanship or an institution. Many of the changes to the Handbook are based on input and surveys from ACAD members about what issues are most important to them.  The topics are written by deans and contributors are selected for their particular expertise. These authors have direct experience and thus are the best resources for readers. Each topic begins with a vignette, to offer readers a short narrative that highlights a concern, which authors then address in the chapter. Authors also provide three specific items to offer practical guidance, such as three questions to ask in a particular situation or three steps to take.