Last spring, it seemed that the new provost's most important task was unquestionably to enact the shining Rudenstine vision of a more unified University.

Whether or not Carnesale will be able to carry out this goal as acting president is unclear. But it was his strength at bringing unity that was key to his appointment to the provost's slot.

Carnesale himself said last spring that he was ready for the effort.

"When one speaks of working across disciplines and professions, that's what I do," he says. "That's what most of my professional life has been devoted to."

Carnesale's greatest skill may simply be the ability to pay attention.

"He's very good at listening to you and making you believe you've had some input in his decision making," says Ramsey Professor of Political Economy Richard J. Zeckhauser. "He's a very good listener-reinforcer."