"First and foremost it means a very heavy responsibility to try to maintain the quality--it's arguably the world's leading university," said former president Derek C. Bok. "[The president can] speak out on issues relating to issues of higher education...The Harvard president has a unique leadership role--at moments where there are real problems."

In recent years, much of higher education's focus has turned to technology, as emphasized by the recent selection of Silicon Valley entrepreneur John L. Hennessy as Stanford's next president. Rudenstine's successor may well lean towards fields of science and technology.

Rudenstine said he will not be involved in choosing his successor.

"I'm not really planning on playing any role in that process," he said.

While Rudenstine said he will answer questions if consulted, he said the incumbent president should not play a significant part in the selection.

Some have raised the question of whether it might be time for a woman or a minority to succeed to the presidency. All of Harvard's presidents have been white and male.

Former Radcliffe College President Linda S. Wilson said that, all else being equal, she would like to see a woman take Rudenstine's place.