President's Welcome

A Message from President Janet L. Steinmayer

Welcome to Lesley! Thank you for choosing to be part of our vibrant university community.

Lesley University uniquely focuses on the human arts, with programs that live at the intersection of education, counseling, and the visual arts. As the largest educator of teachers and counselors in New England and with premier programs in the applied visual arts, Lesley prepares students to impact lives, strengthen communities, and act as catalysts for a more just world.

Lesley has about 6,000 students studying across four colleges—a professionally-focused liberal arts college, an independent college of art and design, a graduate school of education, and a graduate school of arts and social sciences—as well as in the Threshold Program, a residential program for students with a variety of learning differences. With campuses near both Porter Square and Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley is located in one of the most dynamic learning environments in the country. Teaching and learning take many forms at Lesley, but a hallmark is active engagement with real-world applications that integrate theory and practice. A Lesley University education provides the academic foundation and the practical experience to equip students to become socially responsible leaders in their chosen professions.

Lesley’s alumni work around the world in a wide variety of roles including as mental health counselors, educators, expressive arts therapists, business leaders, social workers, designers, and visual artists. As a Lesley graduate, you will join this global network of alumni who are improving the human experience through hands-on work to address the most pressing social challenges we face, and you’ll be a valued member of a lifelong learning community.

We are glad you're here and look forward to helping you take advantage of all we have to offer!

Warm regards,

Janet L. Steinmayer

President