A reluctant Preston leads SAS

That is the message School of Arts and Sciences Dean Samuel Preston, 54, sent to University administrators last year when -- after several unsuccessful attempts -- they managed to convince the Sociology professor to assume the helm of Penn's largest undergraduate school. Preston declined the post during the last dean search in 1990-91 and was wary of taking the job this time. "After building momentum in research and teaching, it is difficult to change," he explained. Hired concurrently with new College Dean Richard Beeman, Preston replaces Interim SAS Dean Walter Wales, who filled in after former Dean Rosemary Stevens resigned in 1996. Since coming to Penn in 1979, Preston has been very active in University affairs, serving as chairperson of the Faculty Senate and director of Penn's Population Center. Additionally, he has served as both chairperson and softball team captain within the Sociology Department. Considered an expert in the field of demography, Preston has authored more than 100 scholarly articles and headed the United Nations' Population Trends and Structure Section. In six months on the job, Preston has had to grapple with persistent budget deficits, which have hampered both faculty hirings and construction of new facilities. He has made fundraising and recruiting new faculty for the beleaguered Political Science Department two of his highest priorities thus far in his term.