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.

If you would like to contribute a memory of or tribute to Professor Shultz, please fill out our form. Reflections from the community will be shared with his family and published as a remembrance news article on the Fletcher website. 

In honor of Professor Shultz, gifts 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.

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 Gatti, F17

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

When I came to Fletcher in 2013, I had just finished my second deployment to Afghanistan and really had no idea what I was walking into. I knew I would focus on international security studies since the Army was paying for my degree, but beyond that I had no focus. From the first morning I met Prof Shultz at his 7:45 am Role of Force class I knew I was in for a life changing experience. Professor Shultz pushed me to make sense and build content on my three combat deployments. He forced me to look at the bigger picture. He demanded that I put my all into my studies to return to the force as a better officer. He invested in me by ensuring that I always had a seat at the table when senior military officers came to speak at ISSP luncheons. He pushed me to turn my thesis into something worth publishing across the Army and assisted me with that even after I graduated. He made me a better leader. Beyond that, I truly enjoyed his company, his wit and love for Boston’s sports, and his true care for his students. He was a great man, and the world is a lesser place without him. I will miss him immensely. 

By Liam Walsh, F15

My current position in Abu Dhabi-UAE is a result of his thoughtful referral to one of his former students, and I will always be deeply grateful for his support. His legacy will live on with us.

By Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu, F15

I'm awed to know that my story is one of hundreds. Prof. Shultz was my invaluable mentor and kind friend. Our relationship began when he let me into his Seminar on Low Intensity Conflict in the spring of 1991 when I was an undergrad at Tufts. 13 years later, I chose Fletcher over its peer schools so I could have the chance to study with him further. I took all his classes, concentrated in Security Studies, and benefited from his incredible network and singular determination to help his students find opportunities. These included both my summer internship and the job where I remain to this day. Our relationship after I graduated from Fletcher broadened to include family updates, keeping track of other former students, and professional collaboration. As I'm sure was the case for others, it was during this time that I really got to know Dick, and what a wonderful guy he was. Our last conversation was only weeks ago, and I still can't process that he's gone. May his family have peace in his memory. 

By Jeremy Harrington, F05

Professor Shultz had a remarkable ability to make every student feel seen and capable. Some of my most cherished memories come from the many conversations we shared during his office hours. In our very first meeting when I started at Fletcher, he told me about his visit to Tunisia, where he had consulted with the Ministry of Defense, and proudly showed me a photo from that time along with a mug he had been gifted as a souvenir. That moment made me feel welcomed and connected, and it set the tone for the rest of my time at Fletcher and beyond. Even after graduating, I would stop by his office to say hello whenever I visited Boston. His door was always open, and his kindness, intellect, and humility made every conversation, whether in the classroom or in his book-filled office, deeply meaningful. 

Professor Shultz was my professor, advisor, and dear friend. I am proud to have been one of his students, and will always be grateful for his warmth, generosity, and the lasting impact he had on my personal and academic life. Thank you for everything, Professor. You will be sorely missed, and your legacy will live on through the many students whose lives you touched. I will never forget your encouragement and wisdom, and I carry immense gratitude for the time we shared.

By Jawaher ElAkeel, F24

Although Prof Shultz was not one of my instructors while a GMAP student, I got to know him afterwards and always enjoyed touching base with him, and understand how beloved he was as an instructor and mentor to many. I appreciated the role he played supporting the GMAP program for a number of years.

By Kari Sides Suva, F11

He’s genuinely inspired me, and each interaction has stayed with me! I am not a Security Studies student but I audited The Role of Force only because I wanted to experience one of Fletcher’s most loved and popular classes about which almost all the alums talk about!

By Eshita Eshita, F25

Heartbroken to learn of Prof. Shultz's passing. 

I often look back at my time at The Fletcher School at Tufts University as two magical years. The coursework, the ability to study and immerse myself in knowledge, and lastly—the people. People are the mainstay of any institution, and Fletcher was no exception. Even before I arrived, I heard that the staff, faculty, and students of Fletcher were the true hallmark of the school. And within the school, there were certain figures who stood out above the rest—none more so than Professor Schultz.

To know Professor Shultz was an experience like no other. His persona, his clarity of thought, his ramrod-straight bearing, his warmth, his personality—these were the stuff of legends. His 7:30 AM Role of Force classes meant trudging through the snow and cold of Boston winters, yet they still filled the largest classroom at the school. I had heard about him before I joined the school, and everything I had heard was validated the moment I met him, and then some. 

I was one of many students who came through Fletcher’s gates and had the privilege of learning from him. His coursework was exceptional, and his teaching was exemplary, but what I valued most was knowing him as a person—his character, his integrity, and his mentorship. 

Which is why I was heartbroken to learn of his passing. It felt like a kick to the gut in every conceivable way.

I mourn his passing as much as I celebrate his life. He was a true mentor in every sense—always generous with his time and counsel, yet never one to mince words. I was privileged to have learned from him and to have known him, and I deeply mourn his loss. As I reflect on my time at Fletcher, I realize that his was the last class I attended before graduating. Perhaps it is fitting in that respect, for he was a mainstay of the institution, and I can think of no better way to have left the gates of the school that I so deeply cherished.

Wishing you fair winds, Professor Shultz. You are mourned and your life is celebrated. I will miss you.

By Nihal Chauhan, F14

He was a beautiful human being and great professor. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and all of Tufts for this tremendous loss. 

By Isabella Meisinger, Partner of Aso O. Tavitian - Tavitian Foundation

I first met Professor Shultz over a year ago at the beginning of my senior year at Tufts. I had just embarked on writing a senior thesis about the United States’ deterrence strategy towards Iran and was in need of a thesis advisor. Although I was an undergrad, Professor Shultz’s name continued to pop up in my search for faculty members who could assist with my thesis. Of the words used to describe Professor Shultz, legendary, personable, kind, and intellectually rigorous were the most common. 

I will never forget the moment I first stepped into his office on the 6th floor of Fletcher, when he invited me to sit down in his big armchair in the corner of his office to discuss the potential of our working together on my senior thesis. I remember briefly losing myself as my eyes swept past the sea of books on the wall, with authors from Thucydides to Clausewitz to Kissinger listening in on our conversation. I remember the way Professor Shultz took an interest in me from the moment I sat down, asking about my background and telling me a little bit about himself, which quickly morphed into a conversation about our mutual love of Israel and his experiences teaching summer courses at Reichman University in Hertzilya. 

Professor Shultz demanded a lot from his students, and I was no exception. He pushed me to think beyond the current narratives surrounding U.S strategy in the Middle East and capture the essence of my thesis topic. When I later took Professor Shultz’s 21st Century Intelligence Class, I was astonished by his level of preparation and meticulous attention to detail as he demonstrated his complete and total mastery of the subject matter. His attitude towards learning had a profound effect on me and in many ways embodied the most essential elements of academic excellence––intellectual rigor, a commitment to scholarly inquiry, and a willingness to confront the questions that matter most. 

I owe much to Professor Shultz––from how he opened my eyes to the world of security studies, intelligence, and strategy to how he took me under his wing as one of his own even though I was not a Fletcher student. But above all, it was his genuine concern for me at a time when I struggled immensely with illness and fatigue that I owe him the most. 

During the tail end of my thesis process, I confessed to Professor Shultz that I wasn’t sure if I would be able to complete my research by the end of the year due to various health struggles. His response was nothing short of extraordinary: he opened up about his own struggles with depression and fatigue after the loss of two of his family members when he was a young man, and reassured me that we would get through this together. This conversation and the level of concern he expressed brought me more comfort and relief than perhaps any other interaction I had during this period. The fact that a man I admired so much had gone through a similar experience, (and at the time was dealing with his own excruciating ailments, unbeknownst to me), meant the world to me.

Professor Shultz, thank you for everything. You changed my life and inspired me to be a better scholar and human. I will truly miss you.

By Ian Kaplan, A25

My fondest memories of Professor Richard Shultz come from assisting him and his team during International Security Studies Program lectures featuring top dignitaries visiting the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

I was fortunate to know him for more than 12 years while serving as the executive protection and liaison for The Fletcher School. I will always cherish the remarkable individuals I met through his distinguished career and remain grateful for the experiences we shared. His unwavering work ethic was truly inspirational, and his passion for sports was equally remarkable.

By Det. Sgt. Timothy C. Philbrook Jr., Tufts University Police Department

Richard and Bob Pfaltzgraff probably directed 75% of the Fletcher doctorates over the past 35 years. They made Security Studies an indispensable part of the curriculum. Richard loved his job, loved teaching as much as research, and couldn't wait to get to the gym, either with a student or a colleague. He had enough charm and genuine warmth to get along with the legion of Tufts colleagues who took different political paths. He was a genuinely nice guy, and I will miss him.

By Sol Gittleman, Professor Emeritus

One day in Cabot I was feeling very stressed and down about a project and my concerns about my career post graduation. It was probably one of my most stressful days at Fletcher. Professor Shultz passed by the table I was at and we waved as I had taken his terrorism class the previous semester. He turned around and made small talk with me for several minutes about something, and made me feel much better. The next morning he emailed me an article on what we were talking about. He certainly saw that I was having a bad day, and his gesture was extremely appreciated. I’m very grateful to have know him.

By Jonathan Bennett, F24

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 innumerous 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 Gatti, F17

Teacher, mentor, friend, father.

By Hamed Al Ghaithi, F26

Others have said this too, but I am so grateful for the constancy of Professor Shultz’s encouragement and the rigor of his approach. I am very grateful too for the fact that he saw in me some capacity or potential about which I wasn’t fully aware. He encouraged and guided my work on a paper when I was studying for the MALD and then helped me get the paper published in a journal. Later, as a member of my doctoral committee, he challenged me but also guided me to the finish line. I admired him as a scholar and teacher and really cherish the picture I have of him congratulating me when I earned the doctorate from Fletcher in 2001. 

By Joseph E. Vorbach III, F95, FG01

During our Role of Force class on two occasions, I was "lucky" enough to be "cold-called" on by Professor Shultz. Getting called on before 8:00am in a class of 50-plus people was certainly a memorable experience from my first semester at Fletcher. The second time it happened, it was during our Civil-Military Relations unit in Role of Force. I remember our guest lecturer, Frank Sobchak, had just finished a slide on Trump's generals from his first term national security team, and asked a question about whether it's an advantage or disadvantage having former military officers in politically appointed national security posts. I remember Professor Shultz looking around the room, and he looked at me and said, "Matthew, what do you think about this?" I'm sure hundreds, if not thousands, of students before me have heard him ask this. I remember after the class I texted my mom, F90, who also took Role of Force with Professor Shultz, about what had just happened. She simply replied, "Good for you! I'm sure you rose to the occasion!" That interaction with Professor Shultz always stuck with me. It was one of the main reasons why I took his Civil-Military Relations course this past semester. He emphasized on so many occasions why it's important for civilians and the military to understand each other's roles and responsibilities in order to smooth their perpetually asymmetric and rocky relationship. That's what I will take away from my relationship with him, someone who always wanted you to understand the gravity of what you were learning, not only on a theoretical basis, but on a human one as well. 

By Matthew Davis, F26

Professor Shultz is rightly remembered as being a giant in his field, a lauded professor sought out by those far beyond the Fletcher campus for his shrewd insight. He is remembered for his larger than life teaching, his crack-of-dawn classes, and the role he played in educating generations of security professionals all over the world. Professor Shultz was also a kind man, who was still ready and willing to learn from those around him, including his pupils, all the way to the end. That is a rare combination. As a young student surrounded by people who had, what felt like, worlds of experience beyond what I could bring to the table, Professor Shultz made it clear that he cared about what I had to say. He took the ideas of his students seriously and weighed them with careful consideration and thoughtful feedback. He looked up at his students and he saw them. He was a mentor to so many not just for his incredible intellect but because, simply, he cared. 

I cannot imagine Fletcher without Professor Shultz, but Fletcher is richer for having had him. 

By Olivia Maigret, F20

When I began my MALD at Fletcher––bright and early one morning in ASEAN, like so many others––I had every intention of returning to Washington to pursue a career in public service. Meeting Professor Shultz, learning from him, I quickly became convinced that teaching was a public service. And he was the very best at it. Only a few weeks into that first semester, I went to Fletcher Career Services and told them I wanted to become a professor. The compassion, curiosity, and empathy Dick Shultz brought into his classroom and beyond set a high bar for anyone aspiring to train future policy leaders. 

When I went through a challenging time during my final months at Fletcher, Professor Shultz offered patience and support as I persevered to finish my thesis research (very late!) and a few years after that, applied to doctoral programs. Several years and several jobs later, I count myself lucky to teach. On a good day, I might hear a little of his enthusiasm, dogged curiosity, or boundless energy in my own classroom. I am grateful to carry this gift with me, and comforted by the knowledge that so many of Professor Shultz's former students, friends, and colleagues can say the same.

By Summer Marion, F13

When I think of Dick, I smile. He was a steadfast and important supporter of my and my colleagues' efforts to establish the Gender program and the Gender field of study at Fletcher. Once the program was in place, he consistently championed its growth and strengthening in faculty discussions. Dick was always open to new ways of thinking about, and trying to understand, war and security. Over the years, he and I served together on numerous panels and doctoral committees for students working on gender and security studies. Through this work, I saw firsthand what an exceptional mentor he was—to students and to faculty colleagues alike.

During the period when I adopted my two children—biological siblings—as a single mother while working full-time as a professor, Dick offered unwavering support. He regularly asked after my children, and he always shared the latest accomplishments of Nick, of whom he was immensely proud. His kindness, generosity of spirit, and genuine care enriched our community, and I remember him with great fondness.

By Dyan Mazurana, Research Professor

Dick was a tremendously lovely person and will be sorely missed. Having known him since 1988, he was always ready to meet with and help students as they pursued a wide-range of security issues in their research and campus programming. He was always ready to lend his ear and his support to the Institute for Global Leadership. We will miss his intellect and kindness and friendship.

By Heather Barry, Special Advisor, Global Strategy and Student Initiatives

Over 15 years after graduation, Role of Force still has an intellectual impact on me and my work––beyond the concepts and theory, he really taught us a dynamic way of thinking about security, which is more important today than ever. 

By Viola Csordas, F09