Lesley University’s New Chapter: A President’s Farewell and Future Plans
Janet Steinmayer, who has guided Lesley for seven years, announced she will leave her role in June. She said the decision followed a careful weighing of personal goals and the demanding nature of her job, while affirming that Lesley remains a special institution.
Highlights of Steinmayer’s Tenure
- Campus Renewal – Oversaw a $100 million overhaul of the campus.
- Real‑Estate Strategy – Sold several buildings to streamline operations.
- Financial Stabilization – Attracted new donors amid falling enrollment.
- Academic Innovation – Expanded the Threshold Program for neurodiverse students.
Board Acknowledgment
The board praised Steinmayer’s leadership, calling Lesley “enviable” after her tenure. Board chair Hal Belodoff highlighted her strength in managing controversial changes and focus on key objectives.
Campus Challenges
- Internal Governance – Survived three no‑confidence votes.
- Staff Reductions – Guided a 2023 layoff of about twenty professors.
- Program Cuts – Eliminated four academic programs.
- Enrollment Decline – Lost a third of undergraduates.
- Executive Turnover – Recent appointment of provost Brian Becker.
Faculty union members recently voted to authorize a strike over slow contract talks and concerns about financial mismanagement. Steinmayer and Becker have stated that Lesley remains committed to reaching competitive agreements with peers and has contingency plans for a strike.
Background
Steinmayer 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.
Closing Message
In her final note, Steinmayer expressed confidence that Lesley’s foundation will support continued growth in training caring professionals.
