Despite its marked affiliations with the Northwestern schools whose programs it administers, The Graduate School on an administrative level is a separate entity with its own leadership and organizational structure. The chief administrative position is held by the Dean of The Graduate School, who functions as an advisor to his staff and students as well as a liaison and representative working to facilitate cross-school coordination. Currently, this title is assumed by race and literary scholar Dwight A. McBride, who also serves as the Associate Provost for Graduate Education.