A light on the Hill. That is what benefactor Charles Tufts envisioned when he donated the land around Walnut Hill in Medford to Tufts University. But what does that mean today, more than a century and a half after the school's founding in 1852?
Next »You can find that light in the signals emitted by fireflies that Tufts biologist Sara Lewis studies to uncover the mysteries of animal communication.
But don't just take our word for it. Every year, we ask students to share their favorite Tufts moments—the memories that, for them, define the Tufts experience. Here, in their images and words, are reflections of that light on the hill.
Tufts at a Glance
Figures as of Fall 2008. More information at the Office of Institutional Research »
- Established: 1852
- Total students: 9,531
- Undergraduates: 5,025
- Graduate and professional: 4,182
- International: 1,150
- Total faculty: 1,227
- Total staff: 2,982
- Total volumes, all libraries: 1,195,793
- Total libraries: 6
- Campuses: 4 (Medford/Somerville; Boston; Grafton; Talloires, France)
- Motto: Pax et Lux
- Colors: Brown and blue
- Mascot: Jumbo (elephant)
- Affiliations: NESCAC
Our Leadership
Our leaders came to Tufts from around the globe and from leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, all because they understand the promise and critical importance of universities in framing our future. Taken as a whole, their experience represents a cross section of those leading our nation and our world.
Points of Pride
Up until 1894, there were no majors at Tufts. Instead, students completed a fixed curriculum leading toward the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. The standardized course load was based on a classical curriculum, and included Latin, Greek, rhetoric, mathematics, theology, political economy and other subjects.
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Robert Sternberg, Dean
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Lynne Pepall, Dean
- School of Engineering
- Linda M. Abriola, Dean
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
- Deborah T. Kochevar, Dean
- School of Dental Medicine
- Lonnie H. Norris, Dean
- The Fletcher School
- Stephen W. Bosworth, Dean
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
- Eileen T. Kennedy, Dean
- School of Medicine
- Michael Rosenblatt, Dean
- Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Science
- Naomi Rosenberg, Dean
- Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service
- Robert M. Hollister, Dean
Schools & Deans
What is interdisciplinary teaching?
The University Seminars began in 2008, seeking to build on Tufts' strengths as both a liberal arts college and a research university by bringing together scholars and researchers to work together on challenges facing society. "Complex societal problems, be they domestic or global, cannot be addressed from the perspective of a single discipline anymore," says Provost Jamshed Bharucha. What's needed is to bring experts with strong, rigorous disciplinary training together to address societal problems, which forces them "to learn about each other's perspectives, because you have to if you want to address the problem." The seminars are open to undergraduates upperclassmen and graduate and professional students.
"We need to know more how universities, nonprofits, even corporations, can translate knowledge into meaningful change in the world beyond them. Within higher education, we need research that addresses how universities and curricula can be restructured to better prepare students to engage in the world. We're putting in place the structure and programs to encourage people to learn and explore. It has taken root throughout Tufts and has sparked the imagination of faculty and students. It will continue to spread like fire, and there is no predicting what it will produce."
Jamshed Bharucha, Provost and Senior Vice President