Sarah B. Drummond, assistant dean of freshmen and chaplain for religious education at Memorial Church, said Austin's professional career suits her new position.

"An understanding of the cross-fertilization between the fields of psychology and religion is particularly relevant to the work of the associate minister in the Memorial Church," Drummond said.

Austin and her partner Diana L. Eck, professor of comparative religion and Indian studies, are the first same-sex couple to serve as House Masters.

"I hope that it would be a sign to the homosexual community at Harvard that the church and the ministry is a place that they would be welcomed," Gomes said.

Austin will continue as co-master in addition to her new appointment in the church.

Several students involved with the Memorial Church said they appreciate Austin's close connections with the undergraduate community.

"Because she is involved with students and because we always need more student volunteers at the school, I hope she can open that venue to new students," said Julia Po '00, head teacher of the church's Sunday school program.