Among Tufts' many historical accomplishments, founding the nation's first graduate school for international affairs ranks high on the list. The founders of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy aimed to offer a broad program of professional training in international affairs to a select group of graduate students." Fletcher has done this and more since its beginnings in 1933.
Austin Barclay Fletcher was born in 1852 and grew up in Franklin, Mass., according to the Fletcher School's website. He studied at Tufts College and went on to receive his Bachelor of Laws and master's degree from Boston University (BU), going on to teach at both BU and Brown University.
In 1882, he moved to New York City to practice law. According to the website, he "[served] as counsel for many large corporations and trustee of several substantial estates," eventually becoming president of a major law firm.
Fletcher eventually became a trustee of Dean Academy, BU and Tufts College
