The Community Remembers Richard H. Shultz Jr.

With great sadness, the Fletcher community lost Richard H. Shultz, Jr., the beloved Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Security, director of the International Security Studies Program, and faculty member of 42 years. His students, current and former, as well as his colleagues and friends from around the world, reflect on Professor Shultz’s legacy. Features on his legacy and life were also published in Fletcher news and in Tufts Now.

Community Reflections and Memories

Professor Richard Shultz was a rare combination of intellectual fierceness and genuine kindness—a teacher whose influence stayed with you long after leaving the classroom. His course on the Role of Force in international politics was formative for me, not because it offered easy answers but because he insisted that we confront the most challenging questions with honesty and rigor. His teaching on the security dilemma and irregular warfare in particular has significantly shaped my understanding of international security. I had the privilege of collaborating with Professor Shultz on multiple events and conversations about the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S.–Russia relations, where his scholarly precision was matched by a quiet, steady grace. He taught us that the true “showstoppers” in public service are not fear or failure but the refusal to think critically and act responsibly. He was a warm, generous mentor and a decent human being. His passing is a profound loss for the Fletcher community, and the integrity, clarity, and humanity he brought to his work will continue to guide everyone who was fortunate enough to learn from him.

By Arik Burakovsky, F17, Associate Director of the Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education at Tufts University

Like most other Fletcher security studies students, I was at first drawn towards the intellectual gravitas Professor Shultz emanated and then captured by his gentle charm. He was brilliant, curious of the subject and of his students' views of it, always ready to discuss theorems he had long maintained and never judgmental. The fact that he could freely quote theses from titles in his deep bookshelf that I would spontaneously point out to him was testament of his unique academic mind. Yet, his analysis was always pointed towards real-world problems and applications, as he was wary of the often self-referential esoteric conversations professors of his caliber and name often flaunt about. This trademark quality was what made his pedagogical message so approachable and it was one of my life's greatest privileges to have enjoyed the benefit of his teaching. I feel joy at the thought of this. I am mourning, though, because Professor Shultz was not just an educator who had a significant formative impact on my mind, but also a kind man. I know he thought of me highly as a student, but he went above and beyond to set me up for success during and after Fletcher. He helped me travel to research my thesis, he gave me work I could point to on my resume when he saw me struggling to find a job, and his door was always, without exception, open for me to brainstorm with him on career and personal life. He felt genuinely invested in his students and, while I know I am one of numerous minds and hearts he has won, I like to think of him as my mentor...and friend. Sharing my deepest condolences with the Fletcher community.

By Adolfo, former student

We have lost one of the greats. Richard Shultz was a giant in the field of international security studies and a giant as a human being. Professor, sponsor, dissertation committee member, mentor, boss, friend—he was all these to me for the past decade. "Dick" Shultz joined The Fletcher School at Tufts University at Tufts University in 1983 and became the director of the world-famous International Security Studies Program in 1989. He took over from his mentor and friend, Robert Pfaltzgraff, with whom they helmed the ship of the International Security Studies field of study at Fletcher for nearly 40 years, bringing up several generations of MALDs and PhDs committed to make our world safer. Those of you who know me know that I'm not a morning person. Yet, going to Professor Shultz's 7:45am classes for his legendary Role of Force course with 150 more students every Monday and Wednesday morning used to be the highlights of my week in my first year at Fletcher. 

Professor Shultz was a "Cold Warrior"; he fought hard with his pen and intellect to liberate the oppressed nations of Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia from the Soviet Communist yoke and had deep affection for us Hungarians, Ukrainians, and all our friends in these regions. He was always there when I needed him, even though there were literally dozens of students vying for his attention lining up in front of his office every day of the week. Still, I wouldn't be here in my life and career had it not been for Dick Shultz's support all those years. I even had the privilege of working with Shultz and Pfaltzgraff in teaching their Security Studies course in the GMAP program. Two years ago, almost to the day, we lost Robert Pfaltzgraff, my dissertation advisor and Shultz's partner and friend in the International Security Studies Program. They were a unit—even their offices faced one another. Now we have lost the other half of that legendary pair. A truly larger than life gentleman and scholar. The Fletcher School and Tufts University will never be the same without Dick Shultz. Thank you for everything, Professor Shultz! You will be sorely missed.

By Zoltan Feher, FG23

I’d like to share two brief memories of Professor Schultz. The first memory is from my experience in his Role of Force course last fall. What stood out to me was that, despite his back pain, he gave wonderful two plus hour lectures twice a week. We could tell he was struggling, but through his lectures, we felt his passion for the material, for his students, and for teaching. Beyond the lectures themselves, he told remarkable stories about his career and experiences, and he always made time for wide-ranging conversations, both after class and outside the classroom.

The second memory is from the last conversation I had with Professor Schultz. I am a Yankees fan, and he was a Red Sox fan. About two weeks before his passing, I was waiting for office hours outside the ISSP office when he walked up to me. He proudly pointed to the Red Sox pin on his shirt. I looked at him, laughed, and shook my head. He patted me on the shoulder, gave me a big smile, and stepped into the elevator. When I reflect upon my time with Professor Schultz, the big smile he gave in this moment is the first thing I think of.

By Benjamin Peterfreund, F26

I had only half of a semester with him, but he ignited my interest towards the security studies, made me curious about the things I did not pay much attention to, like nuclear threat. To be honest, his class was the only one that I was looking forward to every week and enjoyed every single reading.  It so happened that our class on November 20, was his very last class and he tasked us to watch a movie on nuclear deterrence to discuss in the next class. I watched it and I watched it through his prism, and I have so many questions to him, and up till now I did not realize that I won't be able to ask those questions and hear fascinating things that would blow my mind. But above all, I would like to prize his personality, his treatment to us, his warmth, and I would dare to say his friendship. Anyway, I am very grateful for having him in my life and will cherish his memory always.

By Araksya Babikyan, Tavitian Scholars Program 2025

When I first arrived at Fletcher as a Military Fellow, my first check-in was with Professor Shultz. From that moment forward, he provided this wise mentorship to me. While I was there only a year, my subsequent interactions with him were so positive that I was really saddened to hear of his passing. My favorite time with him was when I was selected to prep retired senior leaders to speak with Fletcher students in a leadership seminar. Two of these leaders were retired generals, one being H.R. McMaster. I would discuss with Professor Shultz what I wanted to talk about, he'd chime in with some ideas, and then he would trust and empower me to prep these leaders with minimal guidance (and in some instances none). As a military officer, trust and empowerment are two things that provide immediate fulfillment. Professor Shultz provided me with a wealth of knowledge in his quiet confident way. He is missed by generations of military leaders, and my deepest condolences to his family.

By CDR Taylor Kellogg, USCG, ISSP Military Fellow 2025

Professor Shultz, thank you for being my academic advisor and taking your role seriously during my first year at Fletcher. I remember sitting in your office and marveling at all your books, which reflected years of accumulated knowledge and experience in security studies and defining eras of U.S. policy. I wish I got to know you more, but I will remember you forever. You are the most influential person at Fletcher to me.

By Jessica Hsu, F25

I took the Role of Force this fall and during this time I was fortunate to have one office hour with Professor Shultz. During this office hour, we talked extensively on Professor Shultz's life, his time living through various stages of key historical moments, and his understanding of the future of international security. After the office hour, he showed us around his cool memorabilia, particularly his awesome French bayonet. I'm happy and fortunate that I had at least one office hour with him and would have greatly regretted if I hadn't. One thing that struck me in particular was how humble he was, interacting with me on a personal level and answering all my questions without being condescending. I'm happy I was able to talk to him before his untimely death, and gain a great deal of wisdom. It was truly an experience to interact with a true expert who shaped the field of security studies and continues to influence us through his work and life.

By Evin Vinoy, F27

His eagerness to engage with students with an open-door policy was something that I will forever remember.

By Uzair Younus, F15

He was my professor in Role of Force during GMAP. During our residency in Athens he sat and had lunch with me and showed genuine interest in my career path and plans after GMAP. It was one of the few times in my academic career I ever had a professor show and express that kind of interest.

By Adam Gramann, F24

I’m one of the many fortunate students who had the privilege of learning from Professor Shultz—both in the classroom and as my thesis advisor during my time at Fletcher. Role of Force veterans among the “Mafia” often laugh and reminisce (and wince) remembering his 7:45 a.m. class start times. But that first semester set me on a path I’m still on today—one defined by curiosity about the complexity of global tensions, asymmetric conflict, and political violence. Professor Shultz fundamentally shaped how I think. He always made time for his students and genuinely cared about our perspectives on the world. His door was always open. In the 15 years since finishing graduate school, I visited his office every time I passed through Boston. Without fail, we’d pick up right where we left off, diving into the latest geopolitical developments as if no time had passed at all.

By Naureen Kabir, F10

Professor Shultz was my professor, my mentor, and my friend. We bonded over discussions of football, the Middle East, intelligence, and chronic pain. Once, when I was admiring a Starbucks mug from Saudi Arabia that was in his office (as I grew up there), he generously offered it to me. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness. He also understood that I was going through so many difficult things in life and his empathy was palpable. He was encouraging and patient. I will always appreciate all of his personal support and the support that he gave to women in security studies for decades. If the measure of a life is how many people one has touched positively, then Dick Shultz had one of the greatest lives. He will forever be in our hearts.

By Risa Sobchak, FG27

As many others who would write this, I did the Role of Force class at The Fletcher School. Professor Shultz was extremely knowledgeable and was very approachable. His discipline used to shine through his class and his learners. It was an honor to have been his student.

By Tapish Bhatt, F16

Respected sir, I don't know personally Professor Shultz but feel very sad for losing him. God give strength to his family. RIP.

By Kamal Kishor Warwade, parent of Siddhartha Warwade, F25 

In the most challenging days of my life, when financial struggles and academic pressures weighed heavily upon me, Professor Schultz appeared like a guardian angel. I still marvel at how he rescued me from despair at a moment when I feared I would have to leave Fletcher and return home. His benevolence not only allowed me to continue my studies but also enabled me to thrive, improving my grades and completing my journey with remarkable progress. Though I am now thousands of miles away from the United States, my heart and my family’s are heavy with sorrow. Through our tears, we will forever hold in memory his fatherly kindness, a gift that will remain with us always.

By Mahya Danesh, F25

My heart is breaking with the loss of this wise good man—an academic mentor, professional advisor, and friend who changed the course of my life. So many of us can say this, and that is why there are so many who will miss him. Dick Shultz made a difference in the field of international relations, not only through his scholarship—his books on Vietnam, intelligence, special operations forces and many other topics pertaining to national security. His biggest contribution is the army of people he trained to contribute to this field as academics, practitioners, and policymakers in the United States and around the world. I know, as I head out to Japan next month for the McCain Institute’s first Sedona Forum outside the U.S., we will be welcomed by many Japanese colleagues who benefited also from Dick Shultz’s training and mentorship. What made Dick so special is that he taught us not only from the head, but from the heart. His big knowing eyes and ready smile were the outward signs that he truly saw us. But it was his actions—the time he took to make sure that we were making academic and professional progress, and for me, the fact that he pointed me in the direction of my first postgraduate job, which changed my life. If he had not encouraged me to apply to, and put in good words for me with the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I fervently believe that. May he rest in peace, knowing he touched so many lives and he is so very missed.

By Evelyn N. Farkas, F95, FG99

I have so many memories of Professor Shultz from throughout our 30-year relationship. All of my memories involve him providing keen insight or welcomed advice. The exchanges I had with him while a student were foundational for my career as a senior military leader.  Over the years, I sought his counsel on the most complex security challenges facing our country. I will never forget his mentorship, loyalty, and passion. I'm simply one of a legion of men and women who are proud to be "Shultz trained".

By General Joe Dunford, F92

Professor Shultz loved discussions and always encouraged questions. In a large class size, he made me feel comfortable asking about topics. He was one of the most supportive, funny professors I have ever come across, and an expert in his field. His early morning classes will always be a fond memory.

By Asra Khan, F24

Professor Shultz was a mentor, a teacher, and an advocate throughout my career, who encouraged and pushed me to better myself. He was a kind, emotionally intelligent, and supportive friend to thousands of students, treating them as equals rather than pupils. I will never forget his commitment to lifelong learning, including about his students, their background, dreams, and aspirations. He truly cared for so many people, and I will miss him dearly.

By Raphael Parens, F20

When I was 18 and a slightly over-eager freshman at Tufts, I had an idea for a research project. I reached out to Professor Shultz after a guest lecture in my class. He tactfully leveled-set my idea, but also connected me with many of his contacts to make the research a reality. By the end of the year, I presented that research on a panel alongside him in the ASEAN auditorium. I tried to return the favor, in my own small way, by answering all of his questions about what it was like to apply to and start at Tufts, as his son was a year behind me and in the process at the time. Graduate school program directors have no obligation to spend their limited time mentoring freshmen, but Professor Shultz did anyway. He continued to guide me through undergrad by recommending classes I should take (including Role of Force), introducing me to people he thought I could learn from, and offering advice on internships. He was one of the main reasons I decided to return to Fletcher for graduate school. I know I am just one of hundreds of his students through the years who have similar stories of mentorship and kindness. I will always cherish my memories of chatting with him in his office, surrounded by hundreds of his books, pictures, and mementos.

By Jackie Faselt, A17, F21

Dick was a special and unique friend. So many conversations and laughs over 37 years ranging from school challenges to the ups and downs of Boston sports teams. Impromptu visits to each other's office—often to discuss how to help a student in need. Dick cared deeply, indeed passionately, not only about their Fletcher academic journey but their life journey. I recently had occasion to check out a matter that was addressed in one of Dick's books. His handwritten inscription concluded "Always Faithful, Dick." How appropriate. Dick was Always Faithful to The Fletcher School, to his friends, to his students, and our graduates.

By Jerry Sheehan

Gifts in honor of Professor Shultz can be made to the Richard H. Shultz Scholarship Fund, or in lieu of a donation the family suggests doing a random act of kindness while thinking of him.    

A celebration of Professor Shultz’s life will be held on campus on Friday, January 30, 2026, to which the entire community is invited.