[jdhopeunique]

Often the administrators are former or current faculty themselves. I've seen a professor hold a position as head of the university technology department(a non-academic support role) and teach classes. VPs, Deans, department heads, leaders of various "Centers of Excellence", leaders of various initiatives, Provosts, and even Presidents can be former faculty.

The former professors just view their role as administrator as another step up the academic ladder. There's even a website poking fun at university titles:

http://universitytitlegenerator.com/