
About Lesley
Lesley prepares graduates with the knowledge, skill, understanding, and ethical judgment to be catalysts who shape a more just, humane world.
At Lesley University, we uniquely focus 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, we prepare students to impact lives, strengthen communities, and act as catalysts for a more just world. More than 6,000 students study 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 social sciences—as well as in the Threshold Program, a residential program for students with learning differences. Spanning from Porter Square to Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, we're in one of the most dynamic learning environments in the country. Our 90,000 alumni work in roles including mental health counselors, educators, expressive arts therapists, business leaders, social workers, designers, and visual artists.

Mission & History
Founder Edith Lesley blazed a trail for generations of educators. Today, we prepare students for meaningful careers as teachers, counselors, artists, entrepreneurs, and more.

President & Leadership
Our leadership team is committed to the success of every student. They make sure that our academic programs meet the highest standards.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice
Our community reflects many perspectives and life experiences. We're committed to infusing the tenets of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice throughout the institution. We strive for an environment where people can participate equally and fully, where all individuals can express their identities and perspectives, and where members of the community can effectively engage across difference in a community that is grounded in understanding, trust, and connectedness.

Thought Leadership Series
We welcome you to enjoy a robust and diverse array of inspirational thinkers, creators, and visionaries at the cutting edge of the human arts of education, counseling, and the visual arts.

Lesley Campus Plan
We will make significant investments in our three Cambridge campuses to enhance the student learning experience and better support our unique suite of programs around the human arts of education, counseling and psychology, and the visual arts.

Innovation Center
Our Center for Human Arts Innovation identifies and advances new ideas across the human arts (education, well-being, and the visual arts) that empower us to create a more vibrant and equitable world.

Lesley 2030
For over 100 years, the Lesley community has embraced Edith Lesley’s inspirational talent for identifying a need or an opportunity, and her passion for crafting something new in response. This vision and history serves as the cornerstone for Lesley University, as we plan together for our future.


Work at Lesley
At Lesley University, we prepare individuals for lives and careers that make a difference. We’re looking for employees who share our vision and mission.

Faculty & Staff Directory
Search a complete listing of Lesley faculty and staff and meet the people who are making things happen here every day.

Location & Transportation
Visit our campus in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Meet our faculty, staff, and students. It’s the best way to see everything we have to offer.

Accreditation
The university and its programs are authorized by state, regional, and national accrediting organizations.

Partnerships
We have partnered with school districts, community colleges, and organizations to offer several of our academic programs at locations off campus.