But his interest in change may not be easy for everyone, Kosofsky predicts.
“He likes to implement change and make things better, and some people may find that difficult,” Kosofsky says.
In addition to sweeping administrative changes, Nakamura says, Hyman led NIMH efforts to make patient care a priority.
“Steve was one of the first to really involve the people we’re supposed to be working for—the citizens, the consumers,” adds Cohen.
Into Administration
Colleagues are quick to point out that just as Hyman left his mark on the institute, he, too, was transformed by the experience.
“I think his time in Washington allowed him to get a much broader perspective outside of the academic community and also really hone his administrative skills,” Kosofsky says.
As he led large-scale changes at HMS and NIMH, Hyman himself evolved.
Martin, who first met Hyman when he was a medical student, says, “I’ve watched him mature into a great administrator.”
Konradi says Hyman learned to be comfortable making tough decisions.
“Steve’s definitely a people person. He could sell you anything,” Konradi said. “He has a very political mind, in a good way. He can incorporate the needs of the people with the needs of the job. He knows where the buck stops.”
Medical School Ties
Though they are hesitant to prematurely discuss the relationship between the provost’s office and the medical school, HMS officials say they are excited to see Hyman’s familiar face in Mass. Hall.
“It’s really quite comforting to know there’s someone over in the Cambidge campus who we know, who we trust, and who we can work with,” Martin says.
“I would hope that this would permit the medical school to be more engaged in the overall scholarly activites of the University,” Coyle says. “Sometimes that river can seem like an ocean.”
Konradi says she knew Hyman would return to Cambridge someday.
“One way or another, he was going to come back,” she says. “He really likes it here.”
—Staff writer Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at shoichet@fas.harvard.edu.