A study was made of the crucial role of the college dean in implementing curriculum changes in schools of education. With the passage of the Education for Handicapped Children law, reform in teacher education programs became necessary. College deans were given federal grants along with the responsibility of overseeing major educational innovations. The following duties on the part of the dean, critical to supporting the faculty at a time of change, were identified: (1) managing a temporary system to carry out project activities; (2) allocating resources; (3) performing ceremonial functions; (4) acting as a persuader; (5) providing social and political support; (6) serving as liaison to outsiders; (7) disseminating information; and (8) interacting on a personal level with project staff, faculty, and others related to the grant. (JD)