To the Fletcher Community:

Earlier today, Dean Stephen W. Bosworth of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy announced his decision to retire from Tufts University at the end of the academic year. I am sharing his statement to The Fletcher School community below. 

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. President Monaco summarized the feelings of many at Tufts and beyond: "Dean Bosworth has been a consummate institution builder, having overseen an extraordinary period of growth and vitality at The Fletcher School over the last 11 years. 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. He has also continued, as an engaged participant in exceptionally challenging diplomatic arenas, to lead by example."

Among his many accomplishments at Tufts, Dean Bosworth has 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 Fletcher School's teaching, research, and global outreach. He also led the school's successful capital campaign, which was instrumental in bringing essential new resources to Fletcher, 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.

In addition to being a prominent leader in higher education, Dean Bosworth has been a distinguished public servant over many decades. While at Tufts, he was appointed by the Obama administration as U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy. Prior to his arrival at The Fletcher School, Dean Bosworth had served in several top diplomatic posts, including terms as the 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. Dean 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 Dean Bosworth’s successor will begin immediately. A search committee will be assembled and a search firm engaged to facilitate the process. 

Over the coming year, we look forward to celebrating Dean Bosworth’s many accomplishments. In the meanwhile, please join President Monaco and me in thanking him for his service to the university and the world.

David R. Harris
Provost and Senior Vice President

Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President 
Tufts University 
Ballou Hall, 2nd Floor 
Medford, MA 02155

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Dear Fletcher Colleagues and Students,

After 11 years with The Fletcher School, I have informed the president and provost that this will be my last academic year as dean. 

It has been a great privilege to lead and to serve this community—its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. 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 toward excellence in scholarship and in service to others and to each other. The word community is synonymous with the Fletcher experience.

Both Chris and I are very proud of what Fletcher has accomplished as a community during my time as dean. Amid worldwide political and economic upheaval, we have expanded on all fronts—across the School’s degree programs, centers, faculty, students, staff, and facilities—while maintaining a balanced budget and sound finances. Together we have challenged ourselves as a School to grow and adapt, and we have emerged stronger. 

Fletcher is well prepared to greet life’s next challenges. I look forward to working with all of you on our continued progress in my final year at Fletcher and to our future accomplishments.

Sincerely yours,

Stephen W. Bosworth
Dean, The Fletcher School