"I understand that many of the students that have been passionately involved with public service are worried about changes," Skocpol added. "I think they are going to come to like Dean Kidd, and I think they are going to realize through experience that Harvard is not backing off its commitment to fostering public service opportunities for students."

Both Steiner and Skocpol nonetheless emphasized the value of Johnson's many years at the College.

"I personally believe that Greg Johnson has made an enormous contribution over the years which nothing can take anything away from," Skocpol said.

But professor of the Practice of Indo-Muslim Languages and Cultures Ali S. Asani said that the decision was misguided.

"I just hope that [Lewis] has very solid reasons for choosing her over him, especially considering [Johnson is] someone who has devoted a substantial part of his career to public service at Harvard," Asani said. "To treat someone like that is just inhumane."

Johnson and HAND Director Gail Epstein, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, will stay in their posts until Jun. 30, when they will be let go with severance pay. Johnson said his compensation will amount to about $38,000 for his 17 years of service to the University.

Johnson will assist Kidd in the transition to her new job and will help plan for PBH's centennial in 1998.

Giving Kidd a Chance

Kidd's success in relating to students will depend upon how open their minds are, Steiner said.

"On the basis of all the interviews and all that I've seen and heard about her, I think she will do well with students if given a fair chance," he said. Skocpol also stressed that there would be "a period of getting to know her and the new situation."

But angry students may not want to allot her that grace period.

"I think that students were given the opportunity to speak, but I don't believe that their opinions were taken into consideration," Finger said of the search process and Lewis' decision. HAND will need additional staffers to continue operating without Epstein, she said.

One PBH staffer said yesterday that things will be "really chaotic" for a while.

"We will continue, but it will very disruptive," said Monique E. Dixon '86, director of programs for PBHA. "How things are done and why things are done--none of that I think makes sense to a lot of people, and...it leaves a lot of people feeling confused and wondering what exactly was going on."

Dixon said she is unsure whether she will stay on at PBH, due to a combination of factors, including "reevaluating what I want to do and where I want to be."