Tufts President Stepping Down Next Year
The following is a letter from Tufts University Larry Bacow to the Tufts community:
Dear Members of the Tufts Community:
At the Board meeting that concluded on Saturday, I informed the Trustees of my intention to step down as your President in June of 2011, following ten years of service.
I have often said that ten years is about the right term for a university president. It is long enough for one individual to have a substantial impact but not so long that the institution (or the president) becomes comfortable. Transitions are also healthy for organizations. They provide a unique opportunity for the community to reflect upon the type of leadership it needs to meet the challenges of the future. Tufts deserves just such an opportunity as it begins its 160th year.
I think the time is also right from a personal perspective. It was teaching that drew me to academic life, and as I get ready to turn sixty, it is time for me to once again spend some time in a classroom. Candidly, I am also looking forward to a quieter, simpler life. More specifically, I would like to get reacquainted with the concept of “unscheduled time.†I also would like to follow the lead of so many of our graduates and once again become a more active citizen myself.
Adele and I feel so fortunate to have called Tufts our home for this past decade. Every day we are reminded what a special place this is. I know of no other university where the students, faculty, staff and alumni are as kind, considerate and caring, or so committed to making the world a better place.
It has been a great privilege to lead Tufts for these past nine years, and I look forward to working with the Board to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the next president. There will be plenty of time over the next sixteen months to reflect upon the past and say goodbyes. For now, I am focused on the future, on completing the Beyond Boundaries campaign, and on working with each of you in the months ahead to make Tufts an even better place. Thanks for your support and your understanding.
With great appreciation and affection,
Larry
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