BOSTON, MA – Former Navy Admiral James Stavridis is leaving his position as Dean of Fletcher School of Tufts University in August.

He announced his departure in a letter to the Members of the Fletcher Alumni Community, informing them that “it is with mixed emotions that I share the news that I will be leaving The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy this August to pursue exciting new opportunities in the world of international finance and consulting. I am delighted that Professor of International Law Ian Johnstone has accepted the Provost’s invitation to serve as Dean ad interim during the search for my successor.

“While the past five years have gone quickly, when I reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together, the time feels very full and satisfying.”

He praised the faculty by saying that “I’ve had the honor of working closely with a dedicated and tireless team, from our brilliant faculty who are at the forefront of their fields and devoted to fully preparing our students for global leadership, to our resourceful and perceptive administration. I’m both impressed and inspired by just how much they are able to accomplish. Whether we were conceptualizing a new program or initiative, tackling budget challenges, or addressing a host of other intricate matters, the intelligence, grace, adaptability, and problem-solving skills they consistently demonstrated are second to none. I consider myself truly lucky to have been able to work in this microcosm of constant commitment, collaboration and compassion, where each of us is striving to further Fletcher’s original mission of helping others to better know – and ultimately benefit – our increasingly complicated world.

“Together, we created a strategic plan that built upon and enhanced the strength and success of this academic enterprise. Emerging from that plan, we constructed a 21st century curriculum incorporating the study and analysis of cybersecurity, gender, the social networks, and Russia. We also welcomed a new generation of academic leadership, recruiting top talent to join our first-rate faculty. I’m particularly proud that we have increased the number of women in tenure and the tenure stream, as well as appointing the first woman chair of our Board of Advisors. Fletcher was recently lauded in Pacific Standard Magazine for these efforts and our commitment to teaching gender in the classroom.

“I have had the privilege of graduating 1500 engaging and brilliant students, many of whom I’ve been able to get to know personally. I am in awe of their intelligence, tenacity and originality; their sincerity and commitment to fostering the collegial, supportive and tight-knit community that is so unique to Fletcher; and their ability to engage in discourse that is not always easy. They have been true diplomats every step of their journey at Fletcher, which gives me confidence that many of you will effect meaningful change in your lifetimes and help solve many of the problems the world faces today.

“I am proud to say that we together raised over $70 million, nearly doubling targeted annual goals and bringing Fletcher 60 percent of the way toward our overall campaign goal. As a departing gift to my beloved School, I have personally pledged more than $1 million toward the Brighter World Campaign for Fletcher, which will go toward the Admiral James and Laura Stavridis Scholarship. Fletcher is nothing without our outstanding students, and I’m committed to our continued success in attracting the world’s best and brightest. I’ll continue to be a close friend to Fletcher and a loyal alum, and look forward to remaining deeply involved with the School.”