Ellwood to Capital

President Clinton named Academic Dean of the Kennedy School David T. Ellwood '75 to a post at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tuesday, continuing the trend of picking Harvard professors for top jobs in the new administration.

Ellwood, who is in Washington, could not be reached yesterday for comment. His secretary at Harvard confirmed yesterday that he has been nominated for the post of assistant secretary for planning and evaluation at HHS.

If confirmed by the Senate, Ellwood will join his colleague, Wiener Professor of Social Policy Mary Jo Bane, at HHS. Bane is Clinton's choice to be the department's assistant secretary for children and families.

Ellwood and Bane have published several articles together, including a seminal study of poverty in America.

Harvard currently has a policy of granting faculty members up to two years of leave for government service. Kennedy School spokesperson Steven R. Singer said that it would be premature to comment on whether Ellwood would return after the two year period expires.

He said that a new academic dean will be chosen from within the faculty of the Kennedy School.