An administrator praised for his integrity and concern for faculty, William C. Richardson will be difficult to replace, his colleagues say.

Richardson, executive vice president and provost, yesterday was named president-elect at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. His May 25 departure will leave "a void at the top," said George Bugyi, executive secretary of the Faculty Senate.

"It's a tremendous loss for Penn State. It's a tremendous opportunity for him," said Gregory L. Geoffroy, dean of the College of Science.

Previously Richardson had been considered a likely candidate to replace Penn State President Bryce Jordan, who is scheduled to retire Aug. 31. And some regret that he will not assume leadership of the University.

Jordan said Richardson's departure will cost Penn State one of its strong candidates for the presidency.

"He's been a valuable colleague and he's been very valuable to the University," Jordan said.

John A. Dutton, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Science, said, "I'm very disappointed. I was looking forward to working with him as the new (Penn State) president."

Richardson has been extremely effective in working with deans and faculty, Geoffroy said. And he has earned the respect of both groups, he added.

Geoffroy said he would like to see the next provost show as much concern with concerns of faculty.

"I wouldn't want to see anything different. I would like a Bill Richardson clone. . . . I'll have to put molecular and cell biology to work on that," he said.

That attitude was reflected by others, as well.

"The immediate effect (of Richardson's departure) on the campus will be grief, not only among the deans, but also among the faculty," said James C. Moeser, dean of the College of Arts and Architecture.

Richardson's integrity and concern for those with whom he works make him a fine administrator, Moeser said.

"He's extremely perceptive. He always does his homework. He's quite decisive. And he always keeps his word," Moeser said.

Bugyi agreed Richardson had a unique concern for the needs of the faculty. Richardson always listened to faculty concerns and changed some University policies to reflect those concerns, Bugyi said.

Richardson will begin his duties as Hopkins' president July 1.

Moeser said that although Richardson will be missed he has left his mark on the University and his work will leave a base on which the next administration can work.

"I'm not pessimistic about the future," he said.