But he says much of his role now on campus is an advisory one--making him and his experience a ready resource to less seasoned administrators like Coordinator of Student Affairs Susan T. Cooke , Associate Dean of the College David P. Illingworth '71 and Coordinator of Transfer and Visiting Students Program Julia G. Fox.

"I'm like Larry Bird, coaching from the bench," he says. But "I'm trying to pull back, and make way for new leaders."

And the great number 33 says this less time-consuming role is a welcome change of pace after the rigors of his last position.

He says that he doesn't miss sitting by the telephone nights as he used to do--ready to deal with a problem that arose after hours. In the past, Epps said it was his priority to be present whenever an undergraduate was admitted to a hospital or a mental institution so the student would get the best care possible.

"Rarely a week went by when I didn't get a call at night," he says. "I'd walk around [the campus] at night and look around, to see what was up."

Giving up this personally demanding role, however, has been difficult, says Epps, a navy Veritas scarf tucked under the lapels of his characteristic blazer.

"I have to learn to do less and be in a supportive role," Epps says. "I always had some crisis to deal with."