"He is an immediately likeable person who is passionately committed to the arts," Mayman said.

She said she hopes that under Megan's leadership, the OFA will work to sponsor events that tie the arts to national issues.

She said she has already talked to students at the Institute of Politics about co-sponsoring speakers and programs that would join art and foreign policy, for instance.

"There are so many interesting topics and questions about how arts affect education and the community," Mayman said. "Art is a part of life and a lot of people don't think that."

But she said Megan need not feel tied to any existing OFA goals--and should feel comfortable defining the role of the OFA in the University.

"Megan is stepping into a strong and positive situation with a great group of people," Mayman said. "The key is that he's really interested in what he's doing."

And after 28 years as OFA director, Mayman said she looks forward to relaxing and taking advantage of the resources that the OFA has to offer.

"I hope to be a hanger-on, just enjoying the richness," she said.

--Staff writer Daniela J. Lamas can be reached at lamas@fas.harvard.edu.