Megan, who spent the vast majority of his college years at Holy Cross on the stage, said he believes strongly in the importance of art to supplement a traditional education.

"I was a real theatre rat," he said. "That's where I found my most meaningful relationships and insight on the world."

Megan said bringing his experiences in the performing arts to undergraduates--through grants and programs like Arts First--is a mission that is "close to [his] heart."

"For my whole professional life and much of my teenage and college years, I've been immersed in theatre and music," Megan said. "These are things I really love."

Megan said that when he assumes the post at the beginning of July, his first item of business will be to talk to students and start planning student-oriented arts events.

"I know students will love working with [Megan]; he has a cheerful personality and loves connecting with new people," Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis `68 wrote in an e-mail.

While Mayman chose not to participate in the search process for her successor, she said her first impression of Megan was overwhelmingly positive.