Now that FAS has greater budget flexibility, Knowles says, he can focus on new projects, such as the planned international studies complex.

But he may have more difficulty maintaining control as the financial situation improves.

"He's coming into the difficult part of his deanship," says outgoing Dean of Undergraduate Education David A. Pilbeam.

Pilbeam says that Faculty members may start clamoring for more money now that the FAS budget is on a more even keel.

"It's easy to say 'no' to everyone, but it's difficult to say 'yes' to some people and 'no' to others," he says. "He's entering the planning process for how to spend the fruits of his frugality and the campaign."

Like Rudenstine, Knowles carries a heavy fundraising burden. He is particularly proud of the Barker Center for the Humanities, funded by a $25 million grant, which will begin to house departments this summer.

In addition to doling out funds, the dean is also responsible for the quality of undergraduate education. This year, he oversaw the lengthy Core Curriculum review process, which culminated this May when the Faculty passed a reform legislation package.

"Both he and [Pforzheimer University Professor Sidney H.] Verba ['53, who headed the Core Review Committee] should take credit for steering the Core review through to a successful conclusion," says Harry R. Lewis '68, dean of the College.

Knowles also supervised a complete review of the concentrations and their academic requirements during his deanship.

"The systematic review of concentrations through the Education Policy Committee, which he created, has had good effects in terms of understanding instructional needs in various departments," Lewis says. "He has overseen enormous strengthening in the departments."

KNOWLES AS A MANAGER

Administrators and Faculty members who have worked with Knowles say he has a direct, personal management style.

"Scientists have an endemic need to be hands-on people," says Lawrence Professor of Chemistry David A. Evans, who succeeded Knowles as chair of the Chemistry Department, now the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

Because of his background in scientific research, Evans says, Knowles tends to involve himself deeply in his University Hall duties.

"Jeremy has a hands-on approach to the deanship," Evans says. "He's less of a delegator than some of the previous deans."