1980s: More Programs & Institutes Established

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"The Inauguration of Margaret A. McKenna," Cover of the Lesley College Current, Winter/Spring 1986.

In the 1980s, Lesley College had grown to 40 buildings; 3,900 undergraduate and graduate students; and 476 employees.  The college celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1984.  And in 1985, Lesley welcomed a new President, Margaret McKenna.

Academic offerings continued to grow and serve communities nationally and internationally.  Some of Lesley’s most distinct programs were launched, including the Audubon Expedition Institute, the Expressive Therapies training program in Israel, Programs in Management for Business and Industry (PMBI), Threshold Program, Intercultural Relations Program, and the Ph.D. program.

The Art Institute of Boston (AIB) received accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) in 1982.  By 1988, AIB granted its first class of BFA degrees.

Recognizing a diverse community, Lesley’s Board of Trustees also approved an Affirmative Action policy in 1987.

1980s: More Programs & Institutes Established