Jewett's Era Ends

Ending the longest tenure of a dean of the College since the Second World War, L. Fred Jewett '57 announced last month that he would step down at the end of the 1994-95 academic year.

The departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. None of the leading contenders to be the dean's replacement--a list that is expected to include Associated Dean of the College Thomas A. Dingman '67, Dean of Freshman Elizabeth S. Nathans and Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III--have the stature Jewett had when he took the job in 1985.

Jewett was widely-respected as the dean of admissions and financial aid before assuming the College post.

Like Jewett, Vice President for Alumni and Development L. Fred Glimp '50, another former dean of the College, had also served previously in the admissions job, but that path of succession is likely to be broken.

Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons '67, who would have been a leading contender to replace Jewett, said in a recent interview that he doesn't want the job.

The new dean, whoever it is, will have a difficult time living up to Jewett's reputation for friendly relations with students.

Jewett was seen by many students as an administrator who was not afraid to involve undergraduates in important campus decisions. During Jewett's tenure students were included for the first time on the search committee for a new dean of freshmen.

After Jewett's impending resignation was announced, campus leaders immediately voiced concern and regret about the anticipated departure.

"I think I speak for the U.C. when I say that we all see him as an uncle," said Undergraduate Council President Carey W. Gabay '94. "It will be a major concern for the U.C.--it will be difficult to fill his shoes."

Even those who have clashed with the college over various policies offered praise. Representatives of the Civil Liberties Union of Harvard, a group which has often criticized the Administrative Board, said Jewett has always been willing to listen to their concerns.

"CLUH has had a good working relationship with Dean Jewett," said Robert W. Yalen '95, the former director. "He's always been sensitive to our concerns. He's...really interested in students."

Other deans also lauded Jewett. Epps, who has spent more than two decades in his job, says Jewett is particularly effective as a mediator.

"The unique thing about him," Epps said in a statement announcing the resignation, "is that he has an internal sense of very high standards combined with am openness to ideas and to people, which has made him a very good negotiator."

"Fred Jewett has been a wonderful dean of Harvard College," added Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles. "His wisdom and supportiveness have shaped the undergraduate experience, and his thoughtful good humor has improved the life of the dean of the FAS, too."

After graduating from the College and Harvard Business School, Jewett, 58, delayed an intended career in international business to start a new advising program for first-years. He never left the College.

After several years working in the Freshman Dean's Office, he became assistant director of admissions in 1964.

In 1972, Jewett was appointed dean of admissions and financial aid. During his 13 years in the post, he implemented the current needblind admissions policy, which requires the admissions committee to evaluate applicants without reference to their ability to pay tuition.

During his tenure as dean of the College, much of Jewett's time was spent on two issues: advising and housing. Although he often stated his personal preference for randomization, Jewett helped forge the non-ordered choice compromise which governs the housing lottery.

In a recent interviews, he said he was proudest of his work to plan major renovations on campus, including reconstruction of the Yard dorms and the makeover of Memorial Hall into a student center which will be completed next year.

"I feel we will have made real progress in improving the physical environment for undergraduates," Jewett said.

The dean said he plans to remain at Harvard in a capacity that leaves him time to pursue "personal interests." He has also said he'd like to travel to Australia, New Zealand or Africa and to spend more time at his Maine vacation home.