The KSG now spends more of its operating budget on financial aid than any other Harvard school, and the percentage of MPP graduates taking for-profit positions fell to 20 percent in 2003.

In recent months, Nye has faced criticism from students over a plan to cap LRAP’s growth, but since the beginning of April he has raised $50,000 from donors to insure that the current class of KSG students receives full LRAP benefits.

Student leaders who have pressed the school to increase aid for graduates in the public sector praised Ellwood’s appointment.

“He’s committed his life to eradicating poverty,” said Kennedy School Student Government president Tim Sultan. “We couldn’t have a better champion for our mission.”

In the weeks before the announcement, student government leaders concluded that “Ellwood would be, as far as LRAP goes, the number one choice,” Sultan said.

Nye said that he and Ellwood are “both committed to raising funds for financial aid in general, and LRAP is part of that.”

Ellwood told a cheering Forum crowd, “We must ensure that the service provided by students from all parts of the University will be limited only by their imagination and their ability, not by their financial resources.”

But Ellwood must also tend to the fiscal health of the historically cash-strapped school. The KSG ran a massive $5.9 million deficit in fiscal year 2002, but Nye’s belt-tightening measures—which included the elimination of 47 staff and adjunct faculty positions—generated a more modest $84,495 surplus last year.

And speaking with The Crimson yesterday, Nye expressed hope that in his last days as dean, loyal donors will help the KSG find firmer financial footing.

“One of the things about your final time as dean is that some people are willing to give a sort of ‘exit present,’” Nye said.

CAN HE BE A ‘PLAYER-COACH’?

Ellwood speaks enthusiastically about his current research into “the changing nature of American families.”

Nye, who has continued with his ground-breaking scholarship on international relations even while serving as dean, said that Ellwood will face a “trade-off” between administrative responsibilities and his academic work.

“As Larry Summers once jokingly told me, I’m one of the few ‘player-coaches,’” Nye said.

Ellwood said he hopes to continue his academic work but that his “overwhelming emphasis” will be on his administrative role.

“Being dean will be my absolute first priority,” he said.

—Staff writer Daniel J. Hemel can be reached at hemel@fas.harvard.edu.