Dean of College Says He Is Likely to Step Down

After nine years as Harvard College's top administrator, Dean of the College L. Fred Jewett '57 said yesterday he is likely to step down from his post in the near future.

The dean said he will likely announce his decision at end of this year.

"My own guess would be that it won't be very much longer [before I step down]," he said. "But I may have more to say about that later in the spring."

Jewett said his time in the deanship was enjoyable, but that it may be time to move on.

"I think people can spend too long in any one position," Jewett said. "And I've been at Harvard for a long time."

Administrative dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science John B. Fox Jr. '59, Jewett's predecessor as dean of the College, agreed.

"Ten years is a good long stretch," he said. "He's been dean of the College longer than anyone since the Second World War."

Jewett has spent 40 years at Harvard. After graduating from the College, he went on to receive a degree from Harvard Business School.

Following several years as senior advisor to freshmen and assistant dean of freshmen, Jewett became assistant director of admissions in 1964.

In 1972, Jewett was appointed dean of admissions and financial aid, a position he held until 1985.

During his tenure as dean, Jewett oversaw and influenced Harvard policy on such contentious issues as the date rape, housing choice, ROTC and alcohol consumption.

Recently, he has presided over College controversies such as allegations of nepotism in tutor appointments in Dunster House.

Potential successors for Jewett's job might include Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William R. Fitzsimmons '67, Dean of Freshmen Elizabeth Studley Nathans, and Associate Dean of the College Thomas A. Dingman '67. Calls to these administrator were not returned last night.

Asked whether would serve Harvard in another capacity after leaving his current post, Jewett indicated that he could be at the end of his university career.

"I'm actually getting close to the time that I could conceivably [go into] retirement or quasi-retirement," said Jewett, who is 58.

"[You should hear] something concrete before the end of the semester," he added.