Professors prepare for dean's departure

Patrick Harker's colleagues and fellow Wharton professors can sing only praises as they begin to bid farewell to their dean.

And while most agree that replacing Harker - who will leave Wharton to serve as University of Delaware's president in July - will not be easy, some point to Wharton Deputy Dean David Schmittlein as a likely successor.

Finance professor Andrew Metrick said Schmittlein is "an obvious choice . who would make everybody happy."

"If they announce that David Schmittlein is going to be the dean tomorrow, a lot of the faculty will stand up and applaud," Mettrick said. "I certainly would hope that he gets serious consideration from the search committee."

And for many Wharton professors, a new dean from within Wharton - much like Harker was - would be much appreciated.

"Familiarity is wonderful," Business and Public Policy professor Bruce Allen said. "There is a comfort level with having an academician here because we feel we can identify more with him," he said.

Although faculty members agree that Harker will be an asset to Delaware, not everybody expected him to take Delaware up on its offer.

Allen - who has been at Penn since 1968, as a student - said he was surprised with Harker's decision.

"I would guess that Delaware isn't the last station on this train ride," he said.

Allen added that eventually Harker will likely return to a peer institution.

Either way, professors say that finding a replacement for Harker - Schmittlein or otherwise - will be a challenge.

"Dean Harker has set a very high standard," said Management professor Raphael Amit, who has worked with Harker on several initiatives. "I think the school has a challenge in the time being."

The search process for Harker's replacement has yet to be defined, but Harker's "successor [will] be appointed through a process led by University President Amy Gutmann," Wharton spokesman Michael Baltes said last week.

For now, Wharton faculty members continue to speak positively about Harker.

"Pat is a wonderful colleague and a visionary leader," International Banking professor Richard Herring said. "Delaware has made a brilliant choice."

Others pointed to improvements Harker made to Wharton as reasons for getting the job.

Wharton Associate Dean for External Relations Steven Oliveira, who came to Penn after Harker recruited him to help run the capital campaign, said Harker brought Wharton's leadership to a higher level.

"On a personal level, I'm really sorry to see him leave," he said.

Legal Studies Chairman Thomas Dunfee particularly admired Harker's connection with the Engineering school.

"No dean in my time had a better appreciation and understanding of undergraduate programs," he added.

Many professors also appreciated Harker's strong interpersonal skills.

"I've always found him an approachable guy who's willing to put in and help out . because he has a faculty background," Metrick added.

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