April 6, 2001

Being a Chairman Is Worth the Effort

To the Editor:

I read with great interest the article on department chairs ("Beggar, Psychologist, Mediator, Maid: the Thankless Job of a Chairman," March 2). While a number of assertions about the position are consistent with the literature about department chairs and faculty behavior, I would like to suggest alternatively that service as a department chair can be thoroughly rewarding and very enjoyable.

If one expects that this position will be a burden, it will be. If one