While he's no expert in theological studies, Rudenstine knows how to hunt for administrators. He relies on the input of a "cabinet" of advisors to supplement his own requirements.

A slew of consultants helps out from within Harvard and across the country.

Rudenstine places ads in various academic publications. He quizzes alumni, colleagues and faculty on what they envision as the school's future. From a pool of 100, he whittles down the list to a select few. He schmoozes.

Rudenstine's choice for the Divinity School post was professor J. Bryan Hehir, who performs the duties of dean as well as other functions.

His appointment was a step toward diversity--Hehir is the first Roman Catholic to lead the Divinity School. But out of the 14 people who have headed the Divinity School since 1819, according to the school's news office, none have been women.

Hehir, like his colleagues on Rudenstine's Dean's Council, was a tenured faculty member before his appointment.

Traditionally, far less women than men have held tenured positions nationwide--and thus, officials say, the chances of finding a qualified candidate who is also a woman are often limited.

Behind the Experience