University officials hope Mary Maples Dunn will prove to be the perfect choice to head the post-Radcliffe Radcliffe.

In an interview in 1997, Dunn argued that women's colleges still had an important mission: to secure equal access for female undergraduates in higher education.

But she added, "The best thing that could happen to us, in a way, is that they're no longer needed."

Radcliffe's decision to merge with Harvard would suggest its officials believe they have reached just such a plateau. And the two institutions have called upon the 68-year-old Dunn, director of the Schlesinger Library and former president of Smith College, to guide the unusual transition from focusing on undergraduate women to concentrating on research and advanced study.

Meanwhile, outgoing Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson is at a momentous crossroads of her own. After 10 years at the top-a period of consolidation but also of confusion about the college's proper role--Wilson is ready to hand over the reins and embark on a new life path.

At a press conference yesterday, Wilson said she planned to "move aside and allow a new leader with strong energy" to take over after she steps down on June 30.

During the conference, one reporter asked Wilson why she was leaving Radcliffe after negotiating the broad strokes of an agreement but without seeing the deal to completion.

A source close to the administration posed a similar question.

"She celebrated Radcliffe through one of its most difficult periods, and she can't stick around to go the party?" the source asked.

Wilson defended her decision by saying she had served as president for almost a decade.

"It is a rigorous role," Wilson said. She added that her 10-year term was "longer than I intended to stay when I came." Wilson's tenure will be the shortest of Radcliffe's seven presidents.

After stepping down as president, Wilson will enjoy a one-year paid sabbatical. According to Radcliffe Vice President for College Relations Bonnie R. Clendenning, Wilson's sabbatical has been delayed for more than three years because of the institution's lengthy "strategic planning process."

However, Clendenning said she did not think Wilson would retire from working altogether.

"She has at least one more job left in her," Clendenning said.

Wilson's husband, Paul, is retired, and thecouple owns a vacation retreat in Maine.

Dunn said Wilson's impact on Radcliffe will befelt long after her departure.