Pforzheimer House Names Senior Tutor

After seven years as the senior tutor of Pforzheimer House, Dirk M. Killen `82 will leave Harvard next year to accept a position as an assistant dean at Washington University's school of arts and sciences.

Killen will be replaced by Melinda Gray `88, a lecturer in the Literature Department. Her selection represents the culmination of a nationwide search for Killen's successor.

Killen came to Pforzheimer House in 1985, while still working on his English Ph.D.

During his time in the house, Killen has seen Pforzheimer undergo several important changes, including a major renovation, the change of the house's name from North House to Pforzheimer House, and the beginning of House randomization.

In his new position, Killen will continue to have close contact with students.

"One of the great things about being a senior tutor is that you get to work one-on-one with students," he said.

At Washington University, Killen will serve as an academic coordinator for juniors and seniors. He will help younger students settle into their majors and aid older students in their transition to post-graduate life.

Gray, who will take over Killen's post in July, lived in Pforzheimer House as an undergraduate, and said she likes the house's relatively small population because of the close community it offers.

Before applying for the position, Gray had spoken with colleagues who had been senior tutors in other houses.

"They obviously enjoyed their work as senior tutors. It got me thinking about the job," she said.

Gray said she will continue teaching in the Literature tutorial program, but will cut back her course load. She said she looks forward to the opportunity to "be able to both teach and be a part of the house community."

Sunday night, she was introduced to the members of the House before the annual Pforzheimer House Pfeud.

-Staff writer Warren S. Adler can be reached at wsadler@fas.harvard.edu.