Lesley University’s New Chapter: A President’s Farewell and Future Plans

Janet Steinmayer, who has led Lesley for seven years, announced she will leave her role in June. She said the decision came after weighing personal goals and the demanding nature of her job, noting that Lesley remains a special institution. During her time at the helm, the university completed a $100 million campus overhaul, sold several buildings, and attracted new donors to stabilize finances amid falling enrollment. She also expanded the Threshold Program for neurodiverse students. The board praised Steinmayer’s leadership, describing Lesley as “enviable” after her tenure. Board chair Hal Belodoff highlighted how she managed controversial changes with strength and focus on key objectives.Despite board support, the campus faced challenges. Steinmayer endured three internal no‑confidence votes and guided a 2023 layoff of about twenty professors. The university cut four academic programs, lost a third of its undergraduates, and saw executive turnover, including the recent appointment of provost Brian Becker. Last week, faculty union members voted to authorize a strike over slow contract talks and concerns about financial mismanagement. Steinmayer and Becker stated Lesley remains committed to reaching competitive agreements with peers and have plans in place should a strike happen. She previously headed Mitchell College, worked in corporate litigation, and served as CEO of the hospitality firm Centerplate. She also spent over twenty years on the board of Bryan Mawr College, where she studied. In closing her message, Steinmayer expressed confidence that Lesley’s foundation will support continued growth in training caring professionals.