Dean Bosworth to Retire in 2013

Stephen W. Bosworth, the former U.S. ambassador who has served as dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy for 11 years, will retire at the end of the 2012–13 academic year. He made the announcement earlier today.

“It has been a great privilege to lead and to serve this community—its students, alumni, faculty and staff,” Bosworth said in his announcement to the Tufts community. “As all of you profoundly understand, the word community holds special meaning here at Fletcher. United in our pursuit of a more just, stable and prosperous world, our community lifts and compels us towards excellence in scholarship and in service to others and to each other. The word community is synonymous with the Fletcher experience.”

Tufts President Anthony P. Monaco noted that Bosworth “has been a consummate institution builder, having overseen an extraordinary period of growth and vitality at the Fletcher School. His vision has made an enduring impact on the education of professionals and scholars who seek to make a difference in solving the world’s challenges,” Monaco said. “He has also continued, as an engaged participant in exceptionally challenging diplomatic arenas, to lead by example.”

During his tenure, Bosworth increased the size of the Fletcher faculty and student body while securing the financial soundness of the school during a period of economic uncertainty. He oversaw the creation of three new degree programs that have significantly expanded the scope of the school’s teaching, research and global outreach. He also led the school’s successful capital campaign, which was instrumental in bringing in essential new resources, including several endowed professorships.

Recognizing that a truly international school depends on counsel and perspective from many people and places, Dean Bosworth instituted regional advisory groups around the world that have helped to more fully engage Fletcher’s extensive network of alumni and friends.

“While I have only had the privilege of working with Dean Bosworth for two months, in that brief time I have seen what has made him such a gifted leader here at Tufts and in the global arena—his remarkable intellect, his calm demeanor and his unflappable integrity,” said David R. Harris, provost and senior vice president.

In addition to being a prominent leader in higher education, Bosworth has been a distinguished public servant for many decades. While at Tufts, he was appointed by the Obama administration as U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy. Before coming to Fletcher, he had served in several top diplomatic posts, including U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea (1997–2001), to the Philippines (1984–1987) and to Tunisia (1979–1981). From 1995 to 1997 he was executive director of the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO). Before joining KEDO, he served eight years as president of the United States–Japan Foundation, a private American grant-making institution with extensive programs in education, leadership exchange and policy studies.

Bosworth is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the American Academy of Diplomacy’s Diplomat of the Year Award in 1987.

The search for Bosworth’s successor will begin immediately, Harris said. A search committee will be appointed and a search firm engaged to facilitate the process.