History of Boston University in Timeline

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Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1839 by Boston Methodists and chartered in Boston in 1869, it originated in Newbury, Vermont. BU is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Boston Consortium for Higher Education, highlighting its position as a leading research institution within the academic community.

1905: Commission of BU Castle

In 1905, William Lindsay commissioned the building now known as BU Castle for his own use.

1918: William Howard Taft Lectures at BU Law School

From 1918, former President William Howard Taft lectured on Legal Ethics at Boston University's law school.

August 16, 1919: Establishment of Students' Army Training Corps

On August 16, 1919, the US War Department established the Students' Army Training Corps at Boston University, the predecessor to the current Army ROTC program.

1920: Land Acquisition Along the Charles River

In 1920, Lemuel Murlin arranged the purchase of land along the Charles River to unify the geographically scattered school.

1921: William Howard Taft Lectures at BU Law School

Until 1921, former President William Howard Taft lectured on Legal Ethics at Boston University's law school.

1928: Continued Land Acquisition Along the Charles River

Between 1920 and 1928, the school bought 15 acres of land reclaimed from the river by the Riverfront Improvement Association.

1936: Student Body Size

By spring 1936, the student body included 10,384 men and women.

1939: University Acquisition of BU Castle

In 1939, Boston University acquired BU Castle through an agreement with the city to repay back taxes, funded by donations.

1939: Centennial Observances

In 1939, Boston University organized formal centennial observances.

1949: Harold Russell Earns BFA

In 1949, Harold Russell, who had already won an Oscar for The Best Years of Our Lives, earned his BFA from Boston University.

1951: Harold C. Case Becomes President

In 1951, Harold C. Case became the fifth president of Boston University, initiating significant changes to transform the school into a national research university.

November 27, 1953: Death of Eugene O'Neill

Eugene O'Neill, who once lived in what is now Kilachand Hall, died on November 27, 1953, in a hospital. His ghost is rumored to haunt the building.

1961: Construction of BU Law Tower, George Sherman Union, and Mugar Memorial Library

Between 1961 and 1966, the BU Law Tower, the George Sherman Union, and the Mugar Memorial Library were constructed in the Brutalist style.

1962: Faye Dunaway Earns BFA

In 1962, Faye Dunaway, an emblem of New Hollywood, earned her BFA from Boston University.

1962: Marsh Chapel Experiment

In 1962, Timothy Leary conducted the Marsh Chapel Experiment, also known as the "Good Friday Experiment", at Boston University's Marsh Chapel. The experiment aimed to determine if psilocybin could reliably act as an entheogen in religiously predisposed individuals.

1964: University Takes Over WBUR-FM

In the spring of 1964, President Case persuaded university trustees to take over WBUR-FM, leading to the firing of student managers and changes in programming and editorial policy.

1965: Construction Begins on Warren Towers

In 1965, construction began on 700 Commonwealth Avenue, later named Warren Towers, designed to house 1800 students.

1966: Construction of BU Law Tower, George Sherman Union, and Mugar Memorial Library

Between 1961 and 1966, the BU Law Tower, the George Sherman Union, and the Mugar Memorial Library were constructed in the Brutalist style.

1967: Harold C. Case Retires

In 1967, Harold C. Case retired after overseeing a significant expansion of the campus.

1967: BU Castle Transformed into Conference Space

In 1967, President Christ-Janer found BU Castle too large for his needs and converted it into a conference space.

April 25, 1968: Student Sit-In

On April 25, 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., African-American students conducted a sit-in to protest the condition of Boston University's African-American curriculum.

1968: David Hemery Wins Olympic Gold

In 1968, David Hemery, who was a student at Boston University in the 1960s, won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the Olympic Games.

1969: Centennial Observances

In 1969, Boston University organized formal centennial observances.

1970: The Daily Free Press Founding

Since 1970, The Daily Free Press, the campus student newspaper and the fourth largest daily newspaper in Boston, has provided students with campus news, city and state news, sports coverage, editorials, arts and entertainment, and special feature stories.

1971: John Silber Arrives as President

After arriving from the University of Texas in 1971, John Silber set out to remake Boston University into a global center for research by recruiting star faculty.

March 27, 1972: Police Defuse Protest at BU Placement Office

On March 27, 1972, police officers defused a demonstration of protesters at the BU Placement Office, where Marine recruiters were holding student interviews.

December 5, 1972: Student Government Hunger Strike

On December 5, 1972, fifteen BU Student Government officers started a three-day hunger strike at Marsh Chapel demanding that Silber file a lawsuit against the Federal government challenging the constitutionality of the Herbert Amendment.

1972: Student Protests Against Marine Corps Recruitment

In 1972, student protests rose against the university administration's endorsement of Marine Corps recruitment on campus.

1974: Alfre Woodard Graduates with BFA

In 1974, Alfre Woodard graduated from Boston University with a BFA.

1976: Saul Bellow Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

In 1976, Saul Bellow, a Nobel Prize-winning literary figure, was recruited to the faculty of Boston University.

March 16, 1978: Student Protest Against Tuition and Housing Increases

On March 16, 1978, about 900 Boston University students protested against the tuition and housing charge increases.

April 5, 1979: Faculty Strike

On April 5, 1979, faculty members, clerical workers, and librarians went on strike seeking a labor contract and union recognition.

November 27, 1979: Demonstration Against the Shah of Iran

On November 27, 1979, a demonstration was held at the George Sherman Union against the deposed Shah of Iran and the deportation of Iranian students from the US.

1979: Geena Davis Receives BFA

In 1979, Geena Davis received her BFA from Boston University.

1979: Sheldon Glashow Wins Nobel Prize

In 1979, Sheldon Glashow, a Boston University scientist, won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

1980: Talent to the USA Olympic Team

In 1980, Boston University was a major supplier of talent to the USA Olympic gold medal-winning men's hockey team.

1981: Women's Ice Hockey Beanpot Title

In 1981, the Boston University Women's ice hockey team won a Beanpot title.

1983: Julianne Moore Earns BFA

In 1983, Julianne Moore earned her BFA from Boston University.

1983: Construction of the Metcalf Science Center

In 1983, the Metcalf Science Center for Science and Engineering was constructed, exemplifying Structural Expressionism architecture.

1986: Christopher Ricks Joins Faculty and Founds Editorial Institute

In 1986, Christopher Ricks joined the faculty at Boston University and founded the Editorial Institute with Geoffrey Hill.

1986: Elie Wiesel Wins Nobel Peace Prize

In 1986, Elie Wiesel, a Nobel Prize-winning literary figure, was recruited to the faculty of Boston University.

1989: Paris Internship Program

Since 1989, Boston University runs the Paris Internship Program. Students take language and elective courses with French faculty at the BU Paris Center, then are placed in internships with French businesses and organizations in the area.

1991: Women's Rowing National Championship

In 1991, Boston University won a national championship in women's rowing.

1992: Women's Rowing National Championship

In 1992, Boston University won a national championship in women's rowing.

1992: Casey Sherman Graduates from BU

In 1992, Casey Sherman, the bestselling author, graduated from Boston University.

1992: Derek Walcott Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

In 1992, Derek Walcott, a faculty member in the English Department at Boston University, won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

1993: Foundation of Boston University Academy

In 1993, Boston University Academy (BUA) was founded. BUA is the only high school in New England that is part of a major research university.

1995: Travis Roy's Injury

In 1995, Travis Roy collided with the boards and was paralyzed just 11 seconds into his first hockey game for Boston University, making him quadriplegic.

1996: Travis Roy Foundation Founded

In 1996, Travis Roy founded the Travis Roy Foundation to fund research for and help other spinal cord injury survivors.

1997: Football Team Disbanded

In 1997, Boston University disbanded its football team. The funds were reallocated to build the John Hancock Student Village and athletic complex, and to increase funding to women's athletic programs.

1998: Daniel Tsui Wins Nobel Prize

In 1998, Daniel Tsui, a Boston University scientist, won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

1998: Clarion Literary Magazine First Printed

Since 1998, Clarion, a literary magazine, has been printed. The first issue, titled "?", was published by the group Students for Literary Awareness with the sponsorship of the Department of English.

1999: Sailing Team National Championship

In 1999, the Boston University Sailing Team won a National Championship.

2000: Universities Invited to Join the Association of American Universities

BU was one of four universities at the time invited to join the group since 2000

2000: Rick DiPietro Drafted First Overall

In 2000, Rick DiPietro was drafted first overall to the New York Islanders.

2000: Opening of StuVi

In the fall of 2000, the dormitory of apartment suites at 10 Buick Street, known as StuVi, opened to juniors and seniors.

2001: Roller Hockey Team Advances to Final Four

In 2001, the Boston University Roller Hockey Team advanced to the NCHRA Tournament and made it to the Final Four.

2002: John Hancock Insurance Sponsorship

In 2002, John Hancock Insurance announced its sponsorship of the multimillion-dollar Student Village project.

2002: Roller Hockey Team Advances to NCHRA Tournament

In 2002, the Boston University Roller Hockey Team advanced to the NCHRA Tournament.

November 1, 2003: Daniel S. Goldin Set to Take Over as President

Daniel S. Goldin was set to take over the job on November 1, 2003, and be officially inaugurated on November 17, though the deal collapsed in the week leading up to his arrival in Boston.

2003: Roller Hockey Team Advances to NCHRA Tournament

In 2003, the Boston University Roller Hockey Team advanced to the NCHRA Tournament.

2003: National Biocontainment Laboratories Grant

In 2003, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded Boston University a grant to build one of two National Biocontainment Laboratories, called the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), for studying emerging infectious diseases.

January 3, 2005: Agganis Arena Opens

On January 3, 2005, Boston University's Agganis Arena opened with a men's hockey game between the Terriers and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

January 2005: Opening of Agganis Arena

In January 2005, the Agganis Arena, named after Harry Agganis, opened for concerts and hockey games, replacing the Walter Brown Arena for Terrier hockey games.

February 2005: Launch of Boink Magazine

In February 2005, Boink magazine was launched by a group of undergrads led by Alecia Oleyourryk. The magazine featured BU students posing nude and articles on sexuality.

March 2005: Opening of FitRec Center

In March 2005, the Fitness and Recreation (FitRec) Center opened, attracting large crowds from the student body.

2005: Aram Chobanian Formally Recognized as 9th President

In 2005, Aram Chobanian, who had served as president ad interim, was formally recognized as the 9th president.

April 27, 2006: Inauguration of Robert A. Brown as President

On April 27, 2006, Robert A. Brown was inaugurated as the university's 10th president.

2006: Average GPA of Amherst College Undergraduates

In 2006, the average GPA of a Amherst College undergraduate was 3.48.

2006: Physical Transformations Begin on Charles River and Medical Campuses

Since 2006, the Charles River and Medical Campuses have undergone physical transformations, from new buildings and playing fields to dormitory renovations.

September 2007: Visitor Policy Change

In September 2007, Boston University implemented a new visitor policy, allowing students to swipe into any on-campus dormitory and sign in guests with photo identification.

2007: Average GPA of Boston College Undergraduates

In 2007, the average GPA of a Boston College undergraduate was 3.35.

2008: Osamu Shimomura Wins Nobel Prize

In 2008, Osamu Shimomura, a Boston University scientist, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

2009: Men's Hockey NCAA Championship

In 2009, the Boston University men's hockey team won its fifth NCAA championship.

2009: Completion of Student Village Phase II

In fall 2009, construction on the rest of phase II of the Student Village complex, which included 19- and 26-story residential towers, was finished.

2009: Figure Skating Team Success

Since 2009, the Boston University Figure Skating Team has consistently placed within the top three at the Intercollegiate National Figure Skating Championships.

2010: Game Against Boston College at Fenway Park

In 2010, Boston University won a game against Boston College at Fenway Park with a score of 3–2, played a week after the NHL Winter Classic.

2010: First Class Matriculated into Honors College

In 2010, Boston University's honors college matriculated its first class.

2011: New Residence Construction Completed in Washington, D.C.

In 2011, Boston University completed construction on a new, multistory residence in Washington, D.C., to house students in the internship, journalism, and management programs. The residence features touch-less entry cards and suites with communal kitchens.

2011: Kilachand Honors College Renaming

In 2011, Boston University's honors college was renamed Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors College following a $25 million donation from alum Rajen Kilachand.

2011: New Building Opened in Sydney, Australia

In the beginning of 2011, Boston University opened a new building in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia, featuring underground classrooms, a lecture hall, office space, library, and a roof patio, accommodating approximately 150 students in various programs.

2012: Invitation to Join the Association of American Universities

In 2012, Boston University was invited to join the Association of American Universities.

2012: John Mollicone US Sailing Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Nominee

In 2012, John Mollicone, a notable alumni of the Boston University Sailing Team, was a US Sailing Rolex Yachtsman of the Year nominee.

April 1, 2013: Wrestling Program Cut Announcement

On April 1, 2013, Boston University announced that it would cut its wrestling program following the 2013–14 season.

July 2013: Move to the Patriot League

In July 2013, a majority of Boston University's athletics teams began competing in the Patriot League.

2013: Christopher Chen Joins BU

In 2013, Christopher Chen, an interdisciplinary researcher focusing on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, joined Boston University and became the director of the Biological Design Center at the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering.

2013: Kilachand Donation for Kilachand Hall Renovation

In 2013, Rajen Kilachand donated an additional $10 million to fund a renovation of Kilachand Hall, where first year students in the honors college are required to live.

2013: Roy Conli Wins for Frozen

In 2013, Roy Conli, a Boston University alumnus, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Frozen.

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2014: Establishment of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies

In 2014, Boston University established the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, marking the creation of the newest school within the university.

2014: Julianne Moore Wins Best Actress Oscar

In 2014, Julianne Moore won the Best Actress Oscar for Still Alice.

2014: Peter Del Vecho Wins for Big Hero 6

In 2014, Peter Del Vecho, a Boston University alumnus, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Big Hero 6.

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2014: Hollywood Reporter Notes Female BU Graduates in Hollywood

In 2014, The Hollywood Reporter noted the large number of female Boston University graduates working in Hollywood, estimating over 5,000 alumni in entertainment, with 54 percent being women.

2014: Thomas Menino Joins BU Faculty

In 2014, former Boston mayor Thomas Menino became a professor of the practice of political science at Boston University. He passed away later that year.

2014: Average GPA of BU Undergraduates

In 2014, the average GPA of a Boston University undergraduate was 3.16.

February 2015: Faculty Adopts Open-Access Policy

In February 2015, the faculty adopted an open-access policy to make its scholarship publicly accessible online.

2015: Julianne Moore Named to Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2015, Julianne Moore was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world.

2015: Average GPA of New York University and Harvard University Undergraduates

In 2015, the average GPA of New York University undergraduate was 3.52 and the average GPA of Harvard University undergraduate was 3.65.

2015: Student Demographics

In Fall 2015, Boston University's student demographics based on currently enrolled student responses within the university student database were 50.6% white, 14% Asian, 11.6% international students, 8.6% Hispanic, and 3.2% black. Among international students, 39% were pursuing undergraduate degrees, 37% were pursuing graduate degrees, and 23% were enrolled in other programs.

2016: Sale of BU Theatre Property

In 2016, Boston University put the BU Theatre property associated with the Huntington Theatre Company up for sale and replaced it with the new Joan and Edgar Booth Theatre.

2016: Sale of Huntington Theatre Company Building

In 2016, Boston University sold the building that housed the Huntington Theatre Company and constructed the Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre to consolidate the theater program on campus.

2016: Sherwin Gatchalian Elected as Philippine Senator

In 2016, Sherwin Gatchalian, a Boston University alumnus, was elected as a Philippine senator.

2016: Fundraising Campaign Goal Reached

In 2016, the $1 billion fundraising campaign goal was reached, and the board of trustees voted to raise the goal to $1.5 billion and extend through 2019.

2016: Men's Club Volleyball National Championship

In 2016, the Boston University Men's Club Volleyball team won the NCVF 1AA National Championship.

2016: Chronicle of Higher Education Ranking

In 2016, the Chronicle of Higher Education ranked the Boston University School of Social Work as sixth in the nation for research productivity by faculty.

2016: CARB-X Leadership Selection

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) selected the BU School of Law (LAW) to lead a $350 million trans-Atlantic public-private partnership called CARB-X, aimed at fostering the preclinical development of new antibiotics and antimicrobial rapid diagnostics and vaccines.

May 2017: Dahod Family Alumni Center Construction Begins

In May 2017, construction of the Dahod Family Alumni Center in the renovated BU Castle began.

May 2017: Withdrawal of Support for Photographic Resource Center

In May 2017, Boston University withdrew its support for the Photographic Resource Center, which then became a resident partner with Lesley University.

2017: Travis M. Roy Professorship Created

In 2017, Boston University created the Travis M. Roy Professorship in Rehabilitation Sciences after receiving $2.5 million from anonymous donors.

2017: NSF Grant for Engineering Research Center

In 2017, Boston University received a $20 million grant over five years from the NSF to establish an Engineering Research Center (ERC) focused on bioengineering functional heart tissue.

2017: David Grann's Novel Published

In 2017, David Grann published his novel Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

2017: Kilachand Donation for Life Sciences and Engineering Research

In 2017, Rajen Kilachand donated $115 million to bolster Boston University's research at the intersection of the life sciences and engineering. The gift created the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering and a $100 million endowment.

2017: Opening of Rajen Kilachand Center

In 2017, the Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering opened at Boston University.

2018: Renaming of Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

In 2018, Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development was renamed following the merger with Wheelock College.

2018: Purchase of Wheelock College

In 2018, Boston University acquired the former Wheelock College, now known as the Boston University Fenway Campus.

2018: Sigrid Nunez Wins National Book Award

In 2018, Sigrid Nunez won the National Book Award and she teaches in Boston University's Creative Writing Department.

2018: Merger with Wheelock College of Education and Human Development

In 2018, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, formerly Wheelock College, merged with Boston University. The Fenway campus now houses this college.

2018: Completion of the Dahod Family Alumni Center

In Fall 2018, the Dahod Family Alumni Center in the renovated BU Castle was completed.

September 2019: Fundraising Campaign Concludes

The fundraising campaign concluded in September 2019, raising a total of $1.85 billion over seven years.

2019: Sale/Lease of Kenmore Square Building Sites

As of 2019, Boston University has sold or leased several building sites in Kenmore Square to real estate developers, leading to the construction of large multistory buildings.

2019: Bonnie Arnold Nomination

In 2019, Bonnie Arnold earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature for How to Train Your Dragon series.

2019: Financial Aid Program Expansion

In 2019, Boston University announced an expansion of its financial aid program, committing to meet the full financial needs of all qualifying domestic students, starting in the fall of 2020.

2019: Creation of the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences

In 2019, Boston University created the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences as an interdisciplinary academic unit to train students in computing and data science combined with their chosen fields.

2019: Geena Davis Receives Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

In 2019, Geena Davis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy for her humanitarian efforts.

2019: Women's Ice Hockey Beanpot Title

In 2019, the Boston University Women's ice hockey team won a Beanpot title.

March 11, 2020: University Closure and Shift to Online Learning

On March 11, 2020, Boston University closed its campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to online learning for the remainder of the semester.

March 2020: NEIDL Works with Live Coronavirus Samples

Beginning in March 2020, Boston University's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) started working with live coronavirus samples, becoming the only lab in New England to do so at that time.

July 2020: Appointment of Ibram X. Kendi

In July 2020, Boston University appointed Ibram X. Kendi as a history professor and the director and founder of its newly established Center for Antiracist Research.

July 27, 2020: COVID-19 Testing Program Launched

On July 27, 2020, Boston University initiated its own COVID-19 testing program for faculty, staff, and students, utilizing the BU Clinical Testing Laboratory to provide rapid results.

August 2020: Service Mark Application for COVID-19 Safety Slogan

In August 2020, Boston University filed a service mark application to secure the phrase "F*ck It Won't Cut It" for a student-led COVID-19 safety program, promoting safe behaviors among college students.

October 29, 2020: Death of Travis Roy

On October 29, 2020, Travis Roy, a former Boston University ice hockey player, philanthropist, and motivational speaker, died.

2020: Julianne Moore Ranked Among Greatest Actors

In 2020, The New York Times ranked Julianne Moore eleventh on its list of the greatest actors of the 21st century.

2020: Men's Basketball Patriot League Championship

In 2020, the Boston University men's basketball team won the Patriot League Men's Basketball Championship for the first time, however the NCAA men's Division I basketball tournament was canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

July 2021: Vaccine Mandate Announced for Faculty and Staff

In July 2021, Boston University announced that faculty and staff would be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the fall 2022 semester, following a previous vaccine requirement for students.

September 2021: Renovation and Expansion of Dental School

In September 2021, Boston University completed a $115 million project to renovate and expand the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, adding clinical spaces and learning centers.

2021: Ibram Kendi Named MacArthur Fellow

In 2021, Ibram Kendi was named a MacArthur fellow and will receive a "genius grant" of $625,000 split over five years for his center's research.

May 2022: CARB-X Additional Funding

In May 2022, CARB-X was allotted an additional $370 million in funding.

July 2022: Establishment of the Institute for Global Sustainability

In July 2022, social scientist Benjamin Sovacool led the establishment of the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability.

September 2022: Robert A. Brown Announces Resignation

In September 2022, Robert A. Brown declared his intention to resign from his position as president of Boston University at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 academic year. Brown's presidency began in September 2005.

October 2022: COVID-19 Research Controversy

In October 2022, Boston University's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) conducted research modifying the original COVID-19 virus with Omicron variant spike proteins, resulting in a more lethal virus to lab mice. The research sparked controversy and debate over "gain of function" research.

December 8, 2022: Ceremonial Opening of New Building

On December 8, 2022, the ceremonial opening of a new building was held, with praise from Bloomberg, The Boston Globe, and CBS News for its carbon-neutral design. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and university leaders.

2022: Renaming of BU's Medical School

In 2022, Boston University's medical school was renamed the Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine after receiving a $100 million gift from Edward Avedisian.

2022: Hong Chau Nominated for Best Supporting Actress

In 2022, Hong Chau, an alumni of Boston University, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Whale.

2022: Opening of the Center for Computing & Data Sciences

In 2022, the 19-story Center for Computing & Data Sciences opened at Boston University.

May 2023: CARB-X Renewed Funding

In May 2023, CARB-X secured renewed funding from the UK government (£24M over four years), the German government (€39M over four years, and €2M for accelerator), and the Canadian government also announced its plan to support CARB-X with CAD $6.3 million over two years.

August 1, 2023: Kenneth W. Freeman Becomes President Ad Interim

On August 1, 2023, Kenneth W. Freeman assumed the role of president ad interim at Boston University.

October 2023: Melissa Gilliam Named Incoming President

In October 2023, Melissa Gilliam was officially designated as the incoming president of Boston University, scheduled to commence her term on July 1, 2024.

2023: Boston University Academy Statistics

In 2023, Boston University Academy (BUA) had an enrollment of 234 students in grades 9-12 and a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The mean SAT score for the BUA class of 2023 was 1491, and the mean ACT was 34. 41% of the class of 2023 were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

2023: Film Adaptation of David Grann's Novel

In 2023, the film adaptation of David Grann's 2017 novel Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, and Jesse Plemons, was released and won awards.

2023: Research and Development Expenditures Ranking

In fiscal year 2023, Boston University ranked 16th in the U.S. among private institutions for all research and development expenditures.

May 11, 2024: Softball Team Wins Patriot League Championship

On May 11, 2024, the softball team won their fifth Patriot League Championship title in six seasons, defeating Lehigh 1–0.

May 2024: Boston University removed Myles Standish's name from the building

In May 2024, Boston University removed Myles Standish's name from the building, and it is now referred to by its address, 610 Beacon Street.

July 2024: Macklin Celebrini Drafted First Overall

In July 2024, Macklin Celebrini was drafted first overall to the San Jose Sharks of the NHL.

December 2024: Renaming of the Center for Computing & Data Sciences

In December 2024, the Center for Computing & Data Sciences was renamed the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences.

2024: Research Awards

In 2024, Boston University reported $579.5M million in total research awards.

2024: Academic Ranking of World Universities

In its 2024 list, the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked Boston University 39–50 in the United States and 101–150 in the world.

2024: Global University Employability Ranking

In the 2024–25 Global University Employability Rankings, Times Higher Education ranked Boston University 34th.

2024: U.S. News & World Report Online Program Rankings

U.S. News & World Report's 2024 list ranked Boston University's online graduate information technology programs 8th in the U.S., the online graduate criminal justice programs tied for 3rd, and the online graduate business programs (excluding MBAs) tied for 6th.

2025: Times Higher Education Ranking

For 2025, Times Higher Education ranked Boston University 75th in the world.

2025: U.S. News & World Report Rankings

For 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Boston University tied for 41st among national universities and tied for 73rd among global universities. It also ranked BU 25th in "Best Value Schools", tied for 63rd in "Most Innovative Schools", and tied for 49th in "Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs".

2025: Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Ranking

In 2025, Boston University was ranked No. 171 nationally in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse U.S. colleges and universities ranking.

2025: QS World University Ranking

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Boston University was ranked 108th overall in the world.

2040: Target Year for Carbon Neutrality

Boston University aims to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2040.