They also have said that there is an inherent problem in the job description of dean of the College, pointing out that though he oversees the House system. House Masters answer to the dean of the Faculty.

"I hope that conflict is not inherent in the system," said Jewett, who added that he did not think any change in the job's duties was necessary.

"I'm not a person who thinks change needs to take place for the sake of change."

He added that he had no plans to shake up the College staff, at least for a while. He said he would take time "to get to know some of the people currently working in the College office, but I'm not starting out with any sense that there needs to be any change."

The selection of Jewett brings to an end a selection process that started back in February, when a search committee began accepting applications from more than 50 candidates for the job. Of the 50, the committee interviewed six or seven, and presented its recommendations to Spence.

Spence said in the past month he re-interviewed three or four of the candidates on his own before making his final choice.

Spence revealed publicly for the first time yesterday that Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III was one of the leading candidates for the job. It had been widely held that Epps and jewett--both of whom were strong runners when Fox took over from Charles P. Whitlock in 1976--were the top contenders for the job, but neither had confirmed that he had been interviewed by Spence.

"Archie was a leading candidate for the job. It's just too bad he was in such a strong field," said Spence.

Epps, who has seen five deans of the College come and go, said he will stay on as dean of students.

"I wish Dean Jewett the very best in the job and will do what I can to aid in the transition," said Epps.

Epps also said that he would not consider succeeding Jewett as dean of admissions, though he did not say whether the position had been offered to him.

"My talents lie in things that are public," said Epps, who added that he would continue his efforts to improve student-faculty contact. "I hope to use my experience to the benefit of undergraduates--the people whom I think are one of the most important groups at Harvard.