"John's intelligence, experience and strength of character are a perfect match for the challenges Stanford will face in the coming years," Bass said.

Harvard President Neil L. Rudenstine also praised Hennessy's appointment in a statement to the press yesterday.

"John Hennessy is a superb choice. He is widely respected as an exceptional academic, administrator and leader. I very much look forward to working with him in the future," Rudenstine said.

Dean of Harvard College Harry R. Lewis '74 called Hennessy a "great appointment."

Lewis, who is also McKay professor of computer science, wrote in an e-mail message that Stanford's well-respected engineering and computer science departments have developed largely under Hennessy's direction.

Lewis said that Hennessy has been pivotal to Stanford's integration with corporate and industrial enterprises in Silicon Valley, widely regarded as the center of the nation's technological boom.

Stanford senior Kristen A. Torres, who served as the undergraduate student search committee member, said Hennessy's technology-based background had no bearing on his selection.