Rudenstine said that the Education School may not be as far along as some other schools in the ongoing academic planning process. Representatives of Harvard's 10 faculties have met regularly over the year to outlinetheir long-term goals. But the President said heexpects Harvard's newest dean to catch up quickly.

"By the September retreat and certainly by theDecember retreat, everyone will be more or less atthe same place," Rudenstine said.

Murphy agreed that his insider status mighthelp him in the planning process. As associatedean, Murphy said, he worked closely withrepresentatives of other faculties. He said theEducation School must collaborate with other partsof Harvard "in order for the University to have byfar the very best program in the country."

Murphy said he is confident of Rudenstine'scommitment to the Education School's well-being.And Rudenstine reiterated that commitment.

"The school and its mission is vary highpriority in the next decade," Rudestine said.

Murphy said it is "an honor and a treat" totake over the leadership of his longtime home.

"I'm delighted to get the position," saidMurphy, who received his doctorate from the EdSchool in 1972 and joined its faculty in 1974. "Ijust love place."

Murphy is a former math teacher and also servedas an education aide in the federal government