At least two senior faculty members, including Professor of Economics Caroline M. Hoxby ’88, are considering leaving Harvard for positions at other top institutions.

Word of their possible departures comes amid the recent controversy over University President Lawrence H. Summers’ leadership, which some say has emboldened schools in their efforts to recruit top Harvard professors.

Hoxby confirmed last night that she is seriously considering an offer from Stanford University, but she has made no final decision.

“I really just don’t know,” Hoxby said. “They’re both top economics departments.”

Another professor, Daniel S. Fisher of the physics department, has told both the Boston Globe and the Yale Daily News that he is looking for jobs outside of Harvard. Fisher declined to comment for this article.

Discontent with Summers has been cited by Fisher as a reason for his thoughts of leaving Harvard, according to the Yale Daily News.

“The atmosphere is horrendous,” Fisher said. “Summers runs things like a dictator.”

But Hoxby told The Crimson yesterday that Summers’ comments about women in science have not directly influenced her consideration.

“That would be like saying one day’s remarks have influenced a major career decision,” Hoxby said.

Hoxby emphasized Harvard’s academic atmosphere as a key determinant in her decision.

“The environment that Harvard offers will have an effect on my decision,” she added.

“APPEARANCE OF INSTABILITY”?

In recent weeks, universities appear to have been stepping up efforts to recruit Harvard faculty members. Some professors have suggested that these schools are becoming more aggressive on account of perceived discontent among faculty members critical of President Summers.

“I do know colleagues have received both formal and informal offers,” said Chair of the Music Department Kay K. Shelemay.

She added that while universities are always looking to recruit senior faculty from other institutions, these efforts have been encouraged by Harvard’s recent turmoil.