But Anne A. Paolucci, the new chairwoman of the board, said such help was critical.

The meeting was the first run by Dr. Paolucci as the university's new chairwoman.

Its new chairwoman, Tama Starr, was said to be on vacation yesterday.

With a popular new chairwoman in place, it seemed possible that the endowment might receive a small increase, or at worst, no cuts.

Ms. Ruesch, the new chairwoman, said the institution had more pressing priorities.

Mrs. Webster was surprised when she opened her door to find the new chairwoman.

Perhaps the new chairwoman's worst enemy will be her own high standing as she starts.

"We needed to limit our focus to have an impact," said its new chairwoman, Marie Littlejohn.

Without larger budgets and greater political influence, the new chairwoman may have as much trouble as her predecessors in transforming the agency into a powerful force.

"There will be a big announcement and we are in the early stages of our campaign," said the board's new chairwoman, Joan Weill.