New Div Dean Seeks School's Unity

George E. Rupp, who took over this week as dean of the Divinity School, is, by his own admission, an impatient man.

As dean, however, Rupp plans to implement his programs after many consultations with Div School members. He won't yet reveal his ideas for consolidating some Div School programs, because he says it might steal the thunder from his convocation address in September.

Still, Rupp hints that some consolidation program will probably bring a sense of cohesiveness to all members of the Div School. "A pressing need is to get a clearer idea of what students and faculty at the Divinity School have in common," Rupp says. He adds, "Differentiation into different degree programs gives the impression of more splinteredness than is the case."

As the new dean, Rupp becomes O'Brian Professor of Divinity, with tenure in the Theology Department. Krister Stendahl, the outgoing dean, becomes professor of Divinity in the New Testament and Ministerial Departments.

Rupp says he sees himself and Stendahl foremost as educators, but within that context, he adds his viewpoint is more administrative than Stendahl's which is more pastoral.

Rupp agrees with Stendahl on the importance of both studying diverse faiths and preparing a learned ministry within each faith--yet without setting up a dichotomy between the two.

Even if Stendahl and Rupp have similar perceptions of the Div School's goals, it may be difficult for the Div School to view Rupp as similar to his predecessor. Stendahl is 58 years old; Rupp, at 37, is the youngest Harvard dean. And Rupp acknowledges his deanship "may require some adjustment of perceptions." He adds, "Right down to the movers who moved us in, people tend to think that deans are venerable old men--if not institutions."