Elizabeth W. Bergmann, director of OFA's dance program, arrived at Harvard this February after teaching at several schools across the country. She said he has already felt Mayman's empathetic touch.

"I think she's magic in terms of orchestrating, managing and taking charge in the best sense," Bergmann said. "She's very open, she listens to everyone. She builds a team in the arts office from the secretary to those who are leading the programs. Everyone has a voice. When she calls a meeting, everyone is there."

Mayman said she is leaving to devote her time to family and to travel across the world.

"I have an adventuresome husband who wants to spend time with me and take me places," she said. "I have no plans--I'm just doing a free-fall off of a 27-year-long diving board."

Mayman said she would take with her fond memories of the University.

"It's so exciting! It's so varied and so intense--I love the intensity," she said. "I really, really, really love the aiming for true excellence that happens here."

In her absence, Mayman said she hopes to see the programs she created continue to develop.