Williamstown, Mass.-a "townie"-my father worked in construction and my mother taught in the elementary school.

You happen to be an Amherst graduate. What was it that attracted you to the College at the time?

Having been exposed to Williams at some critical period, I was most familiar with that model but didn't want to go there.

In your opinion, what has changed most at the College since you were an undergraduate?

The atmosphere around coeducation. It was thick with tension in 1978. It's far more comfortable now-there is none of that feeling that the women are here as guests-permanent or otherwise!

Upon entering Amherst, did you know that you wanted to become a professor?

No. Upon entering I (like students today) had a narrowly defined idea of professional success and arrived wearing my pre-med blinders. Eventually, I did think I wanted to work with students in some capacity, but I didn't come to that realization till after graduating. As dean and professor, I have been able to work with students on both a personal and academic level.

I hear you met your wife here at Amherst.

True. We lived in Morrow 110 and Morrow 201, respectively, and had friends in common.

What memory from your undergraduate experience stands out most?

I have flashbacks at faculty meetings when I look around the room and see many of the faces of my former professors. The juxtaposition of present and past still jolts me.

Ghostly flashes from the past aside, what made you decide to return to your alma mater?

It was the perfect solution to my frustration with Big 10 university emphasis on research, to the detriment of teaching. I was warned not to spend "too much time with students." Returning to Amherst meant I didn't have to change my style, but my work and strengths would be appreciated. And the town is just a great place to live.

When did you become Dean of New Students?

2003-04-the current juniors were my first class.

What do you enjoy most about being a dean?

Besides the work directly with students already described, I immensely enjoy working with faculty from all the departments, and especially the collegiality of the college staff supporting the office of the Dean of Students. And I have a wonderful assistant, Heather Mainville, who is knowledgeable, personable and efficient.

Do you have any advice for first-year students?

Absolutely-do your work steadily, address problems directly before you feel overwhelmed and engage.

Is there anything else you'd like your students to know about you?

I'm a huge tennis fan. I took it up at 40 to protect my knees (you don't see a lot of 65-year-old basketball players) and promptly injured one. But I love the game.