Fall 2026 Provost Faculty Welcome Message

Dear colleagues,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of the new academic year. As I begin my service as interim Provost, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you and university leadership in advancing our shared mission and strengthening the future of Tufts.

These are challenging times for higher education, but we are fortunate to be in a position to make positive impacts through our collective efforts. Over the past week I have been meeting with a brand-new group of Arts and Sciences pre-major advisees, and I have been inspired and energized by all that they are bringing to their studies and the university community. I know that some of you have already welcomed your students to your campus and programs, while others are eagerly preparing for their arrival in the coming days. I also know how much you look forward to continuing your engagement with so many others in our labs, clinics, libraries, and performance halls.

My focus as interim Provost is on positioning the Provost’s Office for success and ensuring a strong foundation for the next permanent provost. We will anchor our efforts in Tufts Beyond 175, aligning the work of the Provost’s Office with the university’s strategic priorities and engaging you as we advance the ambitious goals of the plan in service of Tufts’ mission and vision and its distinctive culture. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen the faculty, deepen the impact of our teaching, scholarship, and service, and enrich the student experience, both in and beyond the classroom.

The search for our next provost is underway, with Dean Bárbara Brizuela chairing an outstanding search committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students from across the university. In the meanwhile, I look forward to engaging with you to share ideas, provide input, and help shape our collective path forward during this important period of transition.

Please be sure to read Faculty Minute for information about upcoming programs, events, and engagement opportunities for faculty with me and the Provost’s Office team.

Thank you for all you do to make Tufts a vibrant community of learning, discovery, and service. I look forward to partnering with you this year and wish you a successful and rewarding semester.

Joe

Joseph H. Auner
Provost and Senior Vice President ad interim