With an incomparable memory ofHarvard--spanning the 40 years since he came tothe University as a Divinity School student fromrural Louisiana--administrators said Epps is moreconnected to Harvard's history than almost anyone.

"There's nothing more Harvard than ArchieEpps," Lewis said at Epps' retirement dinner.

With his matching suits, bow ties, andgentlemanly demeanor, Epps sometimes seems closerto the old Harvard presidents whose graves helikes to stroll among than to his currentcolleagues.

"I come out of the tradition of the solitarydean," Epps says. "I come from a generation wherethere's a lot to be said for muddling through andbeing open and not necessarily getting everythingright."

Epps--who said he has received many lettersfrom former students since he announced hisresignation--says his open manner is part of thereason students seem to have so much respect forhim as he leaves.

"I've had a decent, fair relationship withstudents over the years, and I've been straightwith them," he says.

While Epps supported the decision to randomizeupperclass housing assignments, for example, healso supported consideration of the concerns ofthose who opposed the new system. When a number ofHouse tutors signed a letter urging the College toreconsider its randomization policy last year,Epps met with them to discuss the situation.

New Positions, New People

Epps--whose resignation becomes effective July1--said he is ready to give up his job's taxingresponsibilities.

"I've been thinking about this for a number ofyears," he said in November, "My work has beenquite a load and a heavy responsibility. It's timeI turn the day-to-day operations to someone else."

Epps' wife donated a kidney to the 62-year-olddean three years ago, and he said his resignationwill allow him to "protect her investment."

Even so, Epps will continue to work part-timefor the College as a senior associate dean,serving as an "ombudsman, mediator, coordinator ofrace relations and dean for the senior class."

Illingworth, who was chosen last month to takeon most of Epps' responsibilities after anationwide search, has worked at Harvard for thepast 20 years as associate dean of admissions. Hewas chosen in part because, like Epps, he isregarded as a good communicator with students,Lewis says.

Lewis says he changed the title of the positionto better reflect the responsibilities associatedwith the job.

"The title 'Dean of Students' has never had thesame meaning here that it has had in otherplaces," Lewis says in February.