Courtesy Tufts Public Relations

More information: Tufts Official Release

MEDFORD, Mass. – Lawrence S. Bacow, who has advanced Tufts University's leadership in teaching, research and public service while championing access to higher education, announced at the Feb. 5-6 meeting of the university's board of trustees that he would step down in June 2011.

Bacow took office as Tufts' 12th president on September 1, 2001. From the aftershocks of 9/11 to the economic challenges of the recent recession, he has consistently led the university according to the fundamental principle that he expressed in his seminal piece "A University Poised": that all decisions be made based on what would help Tufts "to attract, recruit, and retain the very best students and the very best faculty."

In announcing his decision in a message to the university community, Bacow noted, "I have often said that 10 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."

Said James A. Stern, chair of the board of trustees, "Larry Bacow has been unwavering in his commitment to educational excellence, and Tufts has truly prospered under his watch. Time and again, people have put their faith in his vision for Tufts’ future, and he has not let them down."

During Bacow's tenure, Tufts built on its historic strengths to enhance the undergraduate experience, deepen graduate and professional education and critical research, broaden international engagement and foster active citizenship throughout the university community. At the same time, the Tufts student body became measurably stronger and more diverse.

Tufts also made significant financial progress, raising more than $1 billion for its current $1.2 billion Beyond Boundaries campaign. From fiscal year 2002 through December 2009, the university's endowment grew by almost 86 percent, to $1.26 billion. Bacow also created an investment office to manage university investments.

Bacow has been nationally recognized as an advocate for increased access to higher education. As other institutions began expanding merit aid to gain an edge in competing for the most talented students, Tufts never wavered in its commitment to need-based financial aid for undergraduates.

"It is far from clear to me how society is better off when scarce financial aid resources are diverted from the neediest students to those who are not needy by any measure, simply to redistribute high-scoring students among our institutions," Bacow told the Secretary of Education’s Commission on the Future of Higher Education in 2006.

Since 2001, Tufts has increased financial aid for undergraduate, graduate and professional students by almost 94 percent. In 2007, the university replaced loans with grants for undergraduates whose family income was under $40,000 a year. The following year, Tufts launched the first university-wide program in America to ease the debt of graduates pursuing careers in public service and the not-for-profit sector. The university has maintained its commitment to these programs despite the financial downturn. At the same time, Tufts saw the academic profile of students continue to rise, with combined SAT scores setting a record of 1420 in 2009.

The university also strengthened its relationship with its principal teaching hospital. Under Bacow's leadership and in collaboration with Tufts Medical Center CEO Ellen Zane, a strong partnership was formed that brought the hospital and Tufts Medical School closer together.

Bacow has been known for his transparency and accessibility. The annual President’s Marathon Challenge he established in 2003 brings members of the Tufts community together to run and volunteer at the Boston Marathon. Bacow has completed five marathons, including four in Boston, where he has led the challenge team. The challenge has raised $2.4 million in direct fundraising by runners and has attracted two $5 million gifts in support of nutrition and medical research and education. It has also provided countless opportunities for students and employees to talk informally with the president during early morning training runs. Bacow regularly serves as an advisor to first- and second- year students, and initiated Senior Dinners where all graduating seniors are invited to the President's House. Graduating students' chants of "Larry, Larry" have become a tradition at Tufts Commencement.

"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," Bacow said. "There will be plenty of time over the next 16 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."

According to Stern, the search for Bacow's successor will begin immediately, and the board of trustees will determine the best way to involve students and other constituencies in the process.