NEWS ANALYSIS: Stevens charts a bold course

School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens is unlike any of her predecessors. Some say it is her integrity; others call it a collegial spirit characterized by openness. But all agree that Stevens is bold, direct and decisive. Since she assumed the post in the summer of 1991, replacing current University of Chicago President Hugo Sonnenschein, Stevens has faced unique problems and provided decisive solutions. Given her history of solving tough problems with even tougher solutions, recent moves by Stevens should not come as a surprise. Only six months into her deanship, Stevens boldly recommended and enacted a hiring freeze of tenure track faculty for two years due to concerns about the recession. The move was made, not because the school was in a desperate situation, but rather as a precautionary measure, Stevens said at the time. As economic conditions worsened, Stevens asked all department chairpersons to consider reducing their budgets by 10 percent, only a year after proposing her hiring freeze. "The bad news is that the School of Arts and Sciences, like most schools in the University, must scramble to balance its budget," she said at the time. The financial situation has gotten worse, and not better, causing Stevens to urge faculty to be more innovative and entrepreneurial in their use of resources. Last month, as part of this effort to "streamline" the organizational structure of the school, Stevens cut three of the SAS's 28 departments, promising interdisciplinary programs in their place. While many faculty members expressed stinging criticism for the proposal and the process used to reach the proposal, almost all believe some structural change was necessary. "I don't expect faculty to stand up and cheer and be delighted about the closing of the departments," said Associate SAS Dean Richard Beeman, "But faculty realize that these decisions have to be made." Stevens self-characterized process of evaluating problems and offering solutions is lauded as being one of thorough review and consideration. Decisions which cross her desk are based on consultations with faculty members, a review of evidence, the needs of different fields, the leadership of the school and the well-being of the faculty. "I don't expect everybody to agree with me all the time," Stevens said last night. "But, it is absolutely essential that faculty and students know what we are trying to do." Even those upset with Steven's decision to cut the American Civilization, Religious Studies and Regional Science departments, agree she is a person of good will who is open about her plans. Ann Matter, chairperson of the Religious Studies Department, said she felt Stevens was "misinformed" and "misguided" about her department. "She's a very decent person who is doing what she thinks is right. I think very highly of her, but I think the process [used by Stevens to cut the departments] is wrong." Matter said she is upset that neither she, nor members of her department were consulted about the changes before they were proposed. On top of her desire to be open with faculty and students, Stevens' knack for reality and planning for the future has been recognized and praised. As chairperson of the committee which wrote the school's strategic plan released last week – called "Priorities for the Twenty-First Century" – she attempts to shape the school in every way to the year 2000 and beyond. Beeman said the reason Stevens understands the needs of the faculty and the needs of the school is that she is a longstanding member of the faculty in the History and Sociology of Science Department. "Rosemary has been a member of this faculty for many years, so if there is one thing that everybody knows about her, it is that she is looking out for the faculty," he said. Stevens said she is not motivated by any interest in becoming provost or president, following the pattern set by her predecessors Michael Aiken and Sonnenschein. When her five-year term as dean is over, she hopes to return to her loves: "teaching" and "research." "I'm enjoying doing this," Stevens said of her position and the challenges involved in problem solving. "I feel very fortunate that I am having this opportunity to serve the school in an administrative capacity."