Burton C. Hallowell

President, 1967 - 1976

Burton Crosby Hallowell was inaugurated on an unseasonably cold September 24th in 1967. The press noted the “bold” choice of balloons at the ceremony. A Princeton trained economist, Hallowell arrived at Tufts faced with the challenges of a budget deficit, societal and student reactions to the Vietnam War, and a restless student body. In his inauguration speech, Hallowell announced his dedication to “man, not knowledge” for his term as president of Tufts. Hallowell’s focus on the individuality of Tufts’ students aligned with the goals of the Student Council President Anthony Cortese, who called for students to have more responsibility over their experience as undergraduates.

Hallowell’s presidency was indeed marked by student organizing. 1969 saw the creation of The Tufts Community Union (TCU) and The Afro American Cultural Center (now the Africana Center). The latter was established following student activism advocating for a Center to “provide facilities to augment research opportunities in Afro-American history and culture” and to “enrich the social and cultural experience of Black students at Tufts." In the fall of 1971, co-ed living was introduced to Tufts dorms as women became more incorporated into Tufts University after years of separation in Jackson College. The Women’s Center was also created as a resource in 1973.

Hallowell resigned in 1976 following his belief that college presidents should only serve a ten-year term.