Our leadership team members are committed to the success of every student. They make sure our academic programs meet high standards, so that students, families, and employers value a Lesley degree. They work to keep costs down, so that tuition goes further. They’re dedicated to an open and diverse campus, so that everyone feels welcome.
It takes a lot of talented people to lead a university. If you’re wondering who’s in charge of what, here’s the breakdown:
Board of Trustees
As a nonprofit institution, Lesley University is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets four times a year. The trustees make decisions about academics, budgets and finances, and campus policies. They also plan for the future.
President
The president reports to the Board of Trustees and oversees all areas of the university and its administration. She also represents us to the larger community.
Senior Staff
The senior staff includes the provost (the chief academic officer), deans, vice presidents and other leaders who are critical to our academic and operational success.

Janet L. Steinmayer, President
President Steinmayer brings a wealth of experience in higher education and in business.
Academic Cabinet
- Meenakshi Chhabra
Head of the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences - Steve Shapiro
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Heather Shaw
Head of Lesley Art + Design - Stephanie Spadorcia
Head of the Graduate School of Education - Deanna Yameen
Interim Provost
Administrative Cabinet
- Michelle Davis
Head of Marketing and Communications - Tom Englehardt
Vice President for Enrollment Initiatives - Joanne Kossuth
Chief Operations Officer - Nathaniel Mays
Dean of Student Life and Academic Development - Mary-Jane McLaughlin
Chief Human Resources Officer - Gloria Noronha
Vice President, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice - Shirin Philipp
Vice President and General Counsel - Emma Stellman
Managing Director, Office of Partnerships - Jen Thorell
Executive Director, Threshold Programs

President's Welcome
- Hans D. Strauch, Chair
- Hal Belodoff, Vice Chair
- Juanita James, Vice Chair
- Barbara Weinstein Russell, Vice Chair
- Art Bardige
- Cecelia Fitzgibbon
- Susan Luick Good
- Veronica Ohanian Heath
- Nina Houghton
- Michael Mooney
- David I. Newton
- Georgette Chapman Phillips
- Deborah Schwartz Raizes
- Thomas N. Riley
- Lynda-Lee Sheridan
- David B. Smith
- Janet L. Steinmayer, President
- Doris B. Held
- Michael D. Holmes
- Carol C. Moriarty
- Donald M. Perrin
- Patricia R. Squire
- Janet L. Steinmayer
2019– present - Richard S. Hansen
2018–2019 (Interim) - Jeff A. Weiss
2016–2018 - Joseph B. Moore
2007–2016
- Margaret A. McKenna
1985–2007 - Don Orton
1960–1985 - Trentwell Mason White
1944–1959
- Marguerite Franklin
1943 - Edith Lesley Wolfard
1909–1943