Penn State's executive vice president and provost, William C. Richardson, will be missed at the University next fall.

On May 25, Richardson will depart from the University to become the next president at Johns Hopkins University. Richardson's career decision leaves the University with one less greatly qualified candidate for its next president.

The fact that Johns Hopkins approached Richardson for the position shows that his reputation as a competent administrator is known outside Happy Valley. James C. Moeser, dean of the College of Arts and Architecture, aptly described Richardson as perceptive, hard-working and honest.

Penn State must not only continue a difficult search for its presidency now, but it also must choose a qualified candidate to fill Richardson's shoes. He is highly regarded in several circles throughout the University, lauded with praise from fellow administrators, deans, faculty and students.

Since 1984, when Richardson assumed his current post, he has dealt with most of the day-to-day operations at Penn State. Several times those daily tasks have turned into diplomatic missions for protests, demonstrations and sit-ins.

Although Richardson cannot disassociate himself from some insensitive and ill-planned actions of the administration, he has always been at the forefront in listening to students' demands.

Last February, Richardson ended a student sit-in at the HUB by going there late at night to sign a list of student demands. Richardson's response sharply contrasts with the results of the April 1988 sit-in, which ended when state police removed protesters from the Telecommunications Building by force.

Gregory L. Geoffroy, dean of the College of Science, expressed the sentiment of many University community members when he said he would like a "Bill Richardson clone." Despite the amount of research at Penn State, a clone is simply a fanciful wish that won't come true.

Richardson's enthusiasm, openness and willingness to talk and listen could have brought needed change to the University next year. Students, faculty and staff at Johns Hopkins are gaining a true leader, but not without regret from Penn State.