Last semester, a majority of the house mastersvoted to endorse house randomization and, with themasters' support, Lewis will be given a virtualcarte blanche in implementing the policy.
The report also recommended that House officesbe reorganized, a suggestion which has receivedaccolades from masters concerned with issues ofdiversity.
"He has shown a vision and a direction for theHouses in the report," said Karel Liem, DunsterHouse master.
House Master Sandra Naddaff said she is happyto have a dean who has experience in academia.
Lewis is the College's first professor to serveas dean since 1971, according to a letter Knowlessent to colleagues.
"I think he has knowledge about theadministrative side of the College as well as theacademic side of the College," said Naddaff. "Iwould love to see the academic life of the housesstrengthened: more house seminars, house tutorialsand the departments strengthened."
Computer Science
Lewis' appointment has drawn considerablepraise from his colleagues and from students. Buthis departure will place a burden on the ComputerScience Department.
"Overall, Harry is wonderful!" said GordonMcKay Assistant Professor of Computer ScienceMargo I. Seltzer in an electronic mail messageyesterday. "He's understanding, supportive andfun."
But Seltzer added that the computer sciencedepartment will have to find a way to account formany of Lewis' responsibilities.
"The College's gain is our loss," she said. "Wewill all have to shoulder a bit more of theday-to-day operation of the department that Harryhas always has taken care of."
To take on his new role, Lewis will teach onlyone course, instead of the three he will havetaught this year.
Lewis is a popular teacher whom students saywill be missed.
"As a teacher, he was very interesting," saidMatthew L. Williams `97, who took Computer Science121 with Lewis in the fall. "He was also myadvisor in the concentration and I found him veryhelpful and caring. He definitely took a stronginterest in my life."
Another Computer Science 121 student, who spokeon the condition of anonymity, called Lewis aunique instructor.
The student noted an incident last semesterwhen Lewis suggested to his class that they visitthe Bureau of Study Counsel so they may understanda particularly difficult subject matter. Lewis hadapparently made special arrangements with theoffice for his students.
"I have never had a professor say that in acourse," the student said.
A Man With A Plan?
If Lewis has left his successor in the ComputerScience Department big shoes to fill, he hasissued himself an even larger challenge bycoauthoring the report which may shape his tenureas dean.
In any case, it is certain that Lewis will haveno small task before him when he steps intoJewett's office this July.