Tufts Taps Renowned Geneticist As New President

Tufts University has found its next president.

Geneticist Anthony Monaco, 51, will succeed outgoing President Lawrence Bacow, who is stepping down after 10 years in the position.

Monaco is currently a top administrator and genetics professor at the University of Oxford and has done breakthrough research on various neurological disorders.

Tufts officials say the selection will help strengthen the university's scientific and research profile.

Speaking to Morning Edition's Bob Oakes, Monaco said he wants to continue the university's goal of implementing need-blind admission.

"I think that's very important given the public concern about the cost and access to higher education that we continue to try to make it accessible to all those that have the quality to get in," he said.

Monaco — who has degrees from Harvard University — also spoke highly of Greater Boston.

"I know the Boston area well and I really like the environment of so many universities," Monaco said. "It's quite an academic and young city. I think that's quite attractive."