In the words of one alumnus, Tufts' Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy "won the Superbowl" with Stephen Bosworth's appointment as its seventh dean. That win was made official Wednesday with Bosworth's installation ceremony, at which he promised to maintain Fletcher's position as a cutting-edge school of international affairs.
Migrating from the State Department to academia, the former US Ambassador to South Korea received charges from University President John DiBiaggio and representatives of Fletcher's Board of Overseers, alumni, students, and faculty.
The plus audience, which included more than 300 Fletcher students, faculty, administrators, and alumni, rose in applause as Bosworth took to the podium to respond to the appointment. Although his voice was characteristically stern, the new dean expressed enthusiasm to guide Fletcher into the 21st century. He said that he would first familiarize himself with the school before making any decisions as to its future.
"I have quickly observed that this is a school in strong condition with a vision and purpose," he said.
As he highlighted the 68-year history of Fletcher, Bosworth admitted he is entering his new position with a sense of humility. There was no shortage of idealism, though, in his outline of his general goals as Fletcher's new dean.
"I bring with me a strong conviction to the pursuit of excellence through persistent searching for improvement," he said. "We must nurture, enhance, and deepen the sense of community among our students. We must also continue to promote the sense of idealism [and] continue to strive to make the world a better place."
The world of international affairs is a changing one, Bosworth said, and Fletcher must reflect those changes in its programs and curriculum.
Nearly all of the representatives who publicly addressed Bosworth with their concerns during the ceremony stressed the importance of continuing to attract prestigious students and faculty members in order to safeguard Fletcher's position as one of the top schools of diplomacy.
"We know that you have the vision and dedication to continue Fletcher on its distinguished path and continue to focus the international agenda of Fletcher," DiBiaggio said.
The president's remarks stressed Fletcher's role within the greater Tufts community, and he urged Bosworth to exploit the synergistic potential of Fletcher with dual degrees and similar programs involving other parts of the University.
Fletcher's Academic Dean and former Interim Dean Joel Trachtman said that Bosworth would be faced with challenging issues relating to the curriculum.
"We need to use new technology to teach better... [and] enhance the curriculum in areas such as humanitarian studies and business," he said.
Both alumni representative Dorothy Meadow Sobol, vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and Ph.D. candidate Susan Fink said that student finances should become a primary concern for the School. Sobol said no students should be denied admission because of financial need.
Associate Dean Deborah Nutter delivered prepared remarks on behalf of Peter Ackerman, a member of Fletcher's Board of Overseers and a University Trustee, who could not make the ceremony because of a flight cancellation.
Under Bosworth's guidance, Ackerman reflected, Fletcher will have to face increasing volatility in international affairs and rethinking of globalization in light of the recent economic slowdown. He also expressed his enthusiasm for the dean's appointment.
"I cannot tell you how many times I have been told Fletcher hit a home run," Nutter said on Ackerman's behalf. "But that athletic metaphor is too weak. We have won the Super Bowl."
Ackerman's remarks highlighted Bosworth's high profile in international affairs and said that the resulting opportunities available to the Fletcher School were "enormous."
The ambassador's presence is expected to heighten Fletcher's profile, as Bosworth brings connections to many international leaders with him. Still, his stature is not unusual for a Fletcher dean. His predecessor, John Galvin, served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO in Europe before coming to Tufts.
Bosworth arrived at Fletcher with his wife Christine on Feb. 15 and made his first official appearance at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, during the annual student career trip.
Despite Bosworth's impressive r?©sum?©, students were reluctant to comment on the new dean before his arrival. Now, after several breakfast meetings with students and participation in school activities, Bosworth has registered a positive initial impression.
"I think he has all the qualities to lead Fletcher and maintain our competitive advantage over other schools of international affairs," said Marcelo Michalua, a second-year Fletcher student. "Everyone seems very impressed with him so far."
Bosworth, 60, graduated from Dartmouth College, where he later served on the Board of Trustees. He taught international relations as an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs between 1990 and 1994. According to the search committee, the Ambassador's academic experience was a key factor in his selection.
Bosworth's career with the State Department began in 1961, and included the US Ambassadorship to Tunisia and the Philippines during the late 1970s and 1980s. Prior to assuming the post of Ambassador to South Korea in 1997, Bosworth served as Executive Director of the Korean Peninsula Development Organization, and was instrumental in efforts to dismantle North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
The ambassador, a Democratic appointee, left Asia at a time of tense relations with isolated North Korea, which appeared willing to open its doors and scale back its weapons program. However, North Korea, which supplies the Iranian and Pakistani missile programs, has been the main justification for an American national defense missile program. On Wednesday, President Bush told South Korean President Kim Dae Jung that his administration would not resume talks with the North Koreans anytime soon, despite the Clinton administration's efforts to normalize relations with the communist country.
