A sub-dean is a priest or minister who acts as an assistant to a dean either in church circuit or an academic institution. He or she is, however, not a vice-dean. A vice-dean is a person who can deputize a dean whereas a sub-dean can only assist or carry out assignments as may be delegated to him or her by a dean. A vice-dean can exercise the powers of a dean in his or her absence but a sub-dean only report to a dean and does not have the power of a dean.
See also
- Cardinal Vice-Dean