But administrators and professors alike said the choice of Gross is sensible.

“If Dean Gross is the only one still here, and Dean Lewis is leaving, he’s the one. You can deduce it,” said one administrator, adding that Kirby has not formally notified the College of the choice.

“He has such a main role in curricular review, it would be inconceivable that he had no other role,” said Wolfson Professor of Jewish Studies Jay M. Harris.

Harris said that Kirby should not be required to consult with the Faculty.

“I would assume we’ll be consulted on how to consoldiate the offices—beyond that, who fills the position is strictly Dean Kirby’s business,” Harris said.

But in a press release on Monday, Kirby stated that the administration would seek input from a range of people.

“We will be consulting broadly with students, faculty and staff as we proceed,” he said.

The committee Kirby formed to advise him on the reorganization includes Illingworth, Administrative Dean of the Faculty Nancy L. Maull, Associate Dean of the College Thomas A. Dingman ’67 and Associate Dean of the College Georgene B. Herschbach. Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education Jeffrey Wolcowitz and Assistant Dean of the Faculty for Academic Planning Elizabeth Doherty will oversee the committee.

Lewis will end his tenure as dean at the end of June and acquire the title of Harvard College Professor. The new dean will take office on July 1.

—Rebecca D. O’Brien contributed to the reporting of this story.

—Staff writer Alexander J. Blenkinsopp can be reached at blenkins@fas.harvard.edu.