Summers' preexisting visibility in both academic and political circles may mean that if he does choose to speak on national issues, he will be heard more widely than his predecessor, according to Judith B. McLaughlin, an expert on leadership transitions at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

But former University President Derek C. Bok said that Summers should use his bully pulpit carefully.

"I don't happen to belong to that group of people who think that Harvard presidents should speak out on all kinds of things outside the realm of education," he said, "[but] in Secretary Summers' case, one might want to relax that a little bit, because there are some issues about the global economy that he has expertise in."

But prominent conservative Harvey C. Mansfield '53, Kenan professor of government, admonished Summers to leave his interest in developing nations in Washington, and make combating grade inflation and encouraging academic competition his top priorities.

"Harvard needs to turn inward and look at our own needs," Mansfield said. "We need to pay more attention to our fundamental goal, not just social justice but learning and maintaining standards of learning. I hope he'll spend more time in the ivory tower and less time in politics and the world at large."

Experience BF

Harvard professors engaged in similar debates over how Summers' experience in government and the economy as well as academia will affect his presidency.

Verba said Summers' work in Washington would serve him well.