On Friday 12 July 2024, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi from the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, Prof. Alex Torpiano from the Faculty for the Built Environment, and Prof. Paulann Grech from the Faculty of Health Sciences, presented a publication which they jointly worked on to UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, who also wrote a Foreword for the book.

The book is titled, ‘Dean’s Manifesto: Charting Our Journey’, and attempts to answer important questions such as:

• What does the role of Dean consist of?
• What is the impact of the Faculty’s structure on the Dean’s role?
• Which leadership skills are necessary for the role of Dean?
• How does one justify the actions taken?
• What is the relationship like between the students and the Dean?
• How does collaboration with higher management feature in the Dean’s role?
• How does the Dean’s Role extend beyond the University?
• Which are some of the challenges that a Dean may encounter?
• What kind of personal investment does the Dean’s role require?

The document was crafted with the two esteemed outgoing Deans, Prof. Azzopardi and Prof. Torpiano, whose careers exemplify dedication to academic excellence and transformative leadership.

A number of valued testimonials, such as the ones by President Emeritus, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, also give added insight to that of the two Deans.

“Our journey as Deans may have come to an end, but the life lessons we have learned and the impact we hope to have made will endure, guiding our Faculties as they continue to strive for social justice and meaningful change”, said Prof. Azzopardi.

The publication can be read in its entirety online.