"A change in how you choose your Houses is as fundamental as anything, and PBH affects so many students on campus," says Undergraduate Council President Noah Z. Seton '00. "They'd have to go and really deconstruct one major aspect of student life to make as big an impact."

A Straight Shooter

Some say Lewis has also softened the candid style that led University President Neil L. Rudenstine to dub him "a very straight shooter" during his first term.

But the essential components of his personality remain the same--students still describe him as direct and to the point.

"If we discuss something and he doesn't think it's feasible, he'll very bluntly tell me that it's not," Seton says. "He never leads you in the direction of thinking something's going to happen if it's not."

Lewis' candor reflects his background as a professor confident in his own authority. Epps calls him "one of the smartest deans we've had for sheer intelligence."

Lewis' direct style, Epps says, contrasts with that of the conciliatory Jewett.

"They seem to me to always reflect their previous experience," says Epps, who has served under seven deans of the College." Fred Jewett was chair of admissions. He was avuncular...he would be open and weigh things, and was really known for his wise judgement."

Coming on the heels of Jewett's consensus-oriented style, Lewis' take-charge attitude put off some students at first.

"When I was a freshman, hearing from older Undergraduate Council members...they always felt they were getting a no," Seton says.

Lewis says he has always been interested in speaking to students about their concerns.

"I think I've been pretty consistent about wanting to have conversations," he says. "I'll talk to pretty much anybody and I'll answer e-mail from literally anybody."

But Lewis adds that he has become more patient during his time as dean, and Epps says his style of interacting with students has changed as well.

"He's more personable [now], and that's essential for a dean," Epps says.

Part of a Pattern