Although Rosovsky is not expected to rock the boat as interim executive, some faculty members suggested that his vast experience and strong personality mean that he will not be entirely passive either.

"Rosovsky never follows any line--he's a man of great originality and independence," says Kenan Professor of English and American Literature and Language Helen H. Vendler, another member of Bok's search committee.

"He does not impose management," Vendler says. "He brings people into the forum of management with him."

Specifically, Rosovsky will have to take up the mantle of the massive fundraising drive which Spence has been planning for FAS.

In addition, Bok has said he expects Spence's successor to continue the dean's highly-touted plan to tenure more professors from within the University.

Despite the clearly defined expectations for Rosovsky's temporary deanship, his colleagues say that the post at the top of FAS is by definition a trying one.

"To go back to the firing line is something beyond the call of duty," says Baird Professor of Science Dudley R. Herschbach. "I think it is remarkable further evidence of Rosovsky's great dedication to the University. Having done it for 11 years already is quite a cross to bear."

Rosovsky's books include Discord in the Pacific: Challenges to the Japanese-American Alliance, Asia's New Giant: How the Japanese Economy Works and Japanese Economic Growth: Trend Acceleration in the Twentieth Century.

Born in the free city of Danzig, Rosovsky received his A.B. from the College of William and Mary in 1949 and his masters and doctorate from Harvard.

Rebecca L. Walkowitz contributed to the reporting of this story.