Architect Robert A.M. Stern always knew he was a controversial choice to lead the Yale School of Architecture, but he didn’t know just how controversial until recently. While doing research for his forthcoming book on the school’s 100th anniversary, Mr. Stern, 76, discovered that his name had been discussed but then passed over twice during previous searches for a new dean. He was eventually appointed in 1998. “I was the Susan Lucci of dean candidates,” he jokes, referring to the daytime TV star who was nominated for an Emmy 19 times before she finally won.

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