This is a qualitative inquiry based on reciprocal and interactive relationships. Seven associate deans or former associate deans were engaged in conversations about their roles in colleges of education. All are women from five public and two private universities. Through analysis of the conversations, five themes emerged: the role of associate dean as faculty member; the limits and expectations of the role of associate dean; the lack of intrinsic power in the position; the shadow nature of the role as the subordinate to the dean; and the associate dean's role as communicator and mediator. A critical incident technique was used to gain further insights into the nature of the associate dean's role and sources of conflict in the role. Some of the situations that were used dealt with: academic freedom and the undergraduate curriculum; racially insensitive practices by adjunct faculty; the rumor mill; and perceptions of authority. Among the implications are: gender is a factor in individuals' perceptions of themselves and of the role; peacemaker, a frequent sub-role for associate deans, is seen as a sex-related role for women; for women of color, race and ethnicity are often more salient than gender; and the dean influences feelings of role dissonance. (Contains 13 references.) (JLS)