Lesley University recently selected Dr. Richard S. Hansen as interim president, following a yearlong tenure as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Hansen succeeds former President Jeff A. Weiss, who resigned effective Sept. 1 due to personal health reasons. Hansen’s tenure as interim provost came to an end in July, with the arrival of Dr. Margaret Everett as Lesley’s new provost.
A longtime educator, Hansen had most recently served as provost for Wentworth Institute of Technology prior to his hiring at Lesley. Hansen holds a Ph.D. in education administration from the University of Denver and is provost emeritus of Cincinnati’s Union Institute & University. He has also worked at Norwich University, the University of New Orleans and Thomas Edison State College.
“Dr. Hansen’s experience at Lesley and his proven track record of steady leadership in higher education will guide Lesley University as we move through the process of selecting a long-term president, while continuing to advance our academic agenda,” said Hans Strauch, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees.
As Lesley’s interim president, Hansen will set the direction for the institution, ensuring consistency with its mission of preparing graduates to shape a more equitable world. As such, he will continue support of the university’s strategic planning initiative, Lesley 2030; work in tandem with Provost Everett on academic affairs; and further the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence.