Boston University (BU) is a leading private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 33,000 students and more than 4,500 faculty members, BU is the largest non-profit institution of higher education in the United States. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its 17 schools and colleges.
Founded in 1839 by Methodists from Vermont as a theological seminary, Boston University has grown into one of the world’s foremost research universities. The University’s first president was Leonard Tufts (1839-1903), who oversaw BU’s move to Boston in 1867 and its subsequent transformation into a comprehensive university with an emphasis on health sciences and engineering. Under Tufts’ successor Warren Denny (1903-1913), BU rapidly expanded its physical plant and academic program, adding new schools and departments while also increasing its enrollment tenfold. In 1925, President Daniel Larned (1913-1925) launched an ambitious building program that resulted in the construction of more than two dozen major buildings on campus over the next two decades.
The Great Depression brought financial challenges to BU but also presented opportunities for growth as the University attracted students who could not afford to attend other institutions. In response to the needs of these students, BU established several innovative programs including a cooperative education program that allowed students to alternate periods of full-time study with paid work experience. During World War II, more than 10,000 members of the U.S military were trained at BU under the Army Specialized Training Program and Navy V-12 Program.
In 1947, Robert Marsh (1945-1959) became Boston University’s ninth president and embarked on a period of significant expansion and growth . Under Marsh’s leadership ,the University added new schools and colleges while also increasing its enrollment . In 1957 ,BU opened its first overseas campus in London followed by campuses in Geneva(1965) ,Paris(1970) ,and Dublin( 1971). In 1964 ,the School Of Education was established along with Metropolitan College which offered evening classes for working adults . By 1970 ,enrollment had reached 20 ,000 making it one of America’s largest private urban universities John Silber (1971 – 1996 ) succeeded Marsh as president He continued many of Marsh’s initiatives including aggressive expansion both domestically And internationally During Silber’s tenure 15 schools And colleges were added along With campuses In Los Angeles(1985) ,Tokyo(1987 ) Shanghai(1996) At present day under President Robert A Brown’s leadership Who took office July 1 2005 there are now 17 Schools And Colleges within Boston university offering 250 programs Of Study leading To bachelor’ s master’ s doctorate Or medical degree As America’s fourth-largest independent nonprofit university With An endowment Exceeding $ 2 billion We Are Able To Attract Outstanding Faculty Members And Students From All Over The World Our Mission Statement Is Simple Yet Profound : ” Educating Men And Women For Lives Of Service To Others Through Our Commitment To The Transformation Of Self And Society “