Though students, faculty, and administrators play a large role in defining campus life, it is often the president of a university who sets the tone for the institution. With academic backgrounds in fields ranging from nutrition and dentistry to economics, Tufts presidents over the last 50 years have brought diverse visions to the University, achieving phenomenal change and international expansion.
Students who graduate today have had the luxury of attending Tufts under the leadership of two presidents, John DiBiaggio and Lawrence Bacow.
This year marks DiBiaggio's last on the hill, but his presidency, characterized by a commitment to public service and an open leadership style, has left an indelible mark on the University. At the close of Bacow's first year as part of the Tufts family, it is still too early to predict his impact. But many say that the steps he has taken, thus far, to get to know the University signal great things to come.
Bacow's first year has been characterized by minor student unrest but few major controversies. He has spent much of his time familiarizing himself with the Tufts community, and his major accomplishment was the administrative reshuffling which resulted in the elimination of the vice president position.
"I have tried to be myself as President," Bacow said. "It was a good freshman year. I feel like Adele and I really got to know the Tufts community."
In his first term, Bacow has been praised for his visionary outlook on the future at Tufts. He launched a comprehensive examination of student life with the creation of the Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience, which he hopes to be his signature effort. He has also talked much about unifying the separate schools within Tufts. Many say that Bacow's goals are what distinguish him from DiBiaggio.
"I think of [DiBiaggio] as a consolidating community-building figure who followed after Mayer, who was more a visionary person. So I think Bacow is again maybe more [of a] visionary person," said Dean of the Colleges Charles Inouye, describing a cyclical flow of presidential leadership styles.
"President DiBiaggio was wonderful with fundraising, development, and the endowment," University Chaplain David O'Leary said. "And Bacow with his look at undergraduate life - both have their minds on their future." Alluding to the new president's love of jogging, O'Leary said he thinks the University is in for a great "run" with Bacow.
Bacow, however, has large shoes to fill. DiBiaggio's presidency marked a time of increased change on the hill.
The former President has received much praise for his ability to realize his visions through one of Tufts' most successful capital campaigns. In his nine years at Tufts, he oversaw the tripling of the University's endowment, from $180 million to nearly $600 million. The capital campaign that he began exceeded its expectation by almost $200 million - money which has given the University the ability to construct new buildings, fund new initiatives, and improve in a number of other ways.
"The greatest changes have been in the institutions financial health... and in a growth of the University's sense of community," DiBiaggio said. "What has not changed, I'm happy to say, is the commitment of the faculty to teaching students."
The president emeritus' improvements on the hill have also helped to attract some of the best students and faculty in the country. Applications to the University grew by more than 70 percent during his presidency. DiBiaggio also placed a strong emphasis on the value of active citizenship. One of the hallmarks of his tenure was the founding of the University College for Citizenship and Public Service, a University-wide initiative to encourage civic engagement.
Known for walking his terriers around campus, participating in various campus events, and often leaving his door open for students, DiBiaggio was well-liked and was keen on enjoying Tufts' close-knit community.
"I always found him to be very straight shooting, sincere and approachable person," Inouye said.
Students and faculty praised DiBiaggio for his accessibility and dedication to the student body. DiBiaggio often expressed a desire to be open to all who visited him, and many have commended him for the deep contacts he developed within the community.
"I've been very touched by President DiBiaggio's concern for individual students," drama department chair Barbara Grossman said, citing DiBiaggio's recent speech at a memorial service for Tufts' student David Medeiros.
While Bacow has not yet forged the bonds with students that DiBiaggio has, he has impressed administrators with the work he has done in his first year.
"I have a lot of confidence in his ability to seize the moment. He's very good at
understanding, quickly, the complex issues and representing the vital interests
of the University to various constituencies, including trustees, faculty, and students," Inouye said. "There's been some criticism of his ability to speak with students, but I'm not sure it is a problem."
The two presidents differ in the backgrounds they brought to Tufts, factors which may have affected their styles of leadership. DiBiaggio was the president of two universities before he came to Tufts: Michigan State from 1985 to 1992, and the University of Connecticut from 1979 to 1985. Prior to that, he held several administrative positions and professorships. Over the years, he has garnered three full degrees - one in dentistry - and ten honorary degrees.
Bacow also has ties to Michigan, where he grew up. Academically, however, Bacow made a name for himself just across town at neighboring MIT, where he served as Chancellor from 1998-2001.
Though there have been differences in the goals set by each president, many say their leadership styles have melded together well. DiBiaggio was successful in showing Tufts what kind of potential the institution has, Grossman said, and Bacow will help the University realize that potential.
"I've been very impressed with [Bacow's] active, energetic leadership style." Grossman said. "With his accessibility, responsiveness to concerns and crises... the sense I have of him is [that he has a] vision for this University and where he'd like to see it be both long term and short term."
Bacow came to Tufts at just the right time and has just the right qualities to continue Tufts' progress, according to Inouye. "He's the kind of guy who sees Tufts where it is now - which is to say we're really on the cusp of where we've been and where we're going to be. We're at a time where we have to make important decisions about our future," the Dean said.
As for DiBiaggio's plans, he says next year he will be "on the sidelines." He hopes to pursue another career with a foundation, think tank, or as a consultant. But DiBiaggio is optimistic about Tufts' future.
"I think Larry Bacow will be a great president and will work to maintain our wonderful traditions while striving to further enhance the overall quality of the University," DiBiaggio said. "Tufts is a marvelous place that will only get better."
