1990s: The Art Institute of Boston Merges with Lesley
Lesley’s programs in the 1990s continued to prove its commitment to teacher education, advanced learning, and holistic programs. In 1990, the first Ph.D. students in education were admitted. The Reading Recovery Center opened in 1991 as the New England regional site for teacher training. "Say Yes to Education," a Lesley College administered free college education program also began that same year. The Reggio Emilia Institute was founded in 1993. Lesley’s first online courses were offered in 1996. By 1997, the Center for Special Education was created.
The college’s emphasis on the arts, social justice, and human services was furthered by the creation of the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences (GSASS) in 1994. In 1998, the Art Institute of Boston (AIB) became Lesley's sixth school.
At the end of the decade, the Institute for Mind, Body and Spirituality was established to promote inquiry, train professionals, conduct research, develop new programs, and provide leadership in the area of mind-body health and education.
Lesley’s library was renovated and dedicated as the Eleanor DeWolfe Ludcke Library in 1992. Porter Exchange, the former Sears building, was purchased by Lesley College in 1994. This building is now known as University Hall.
An athletic program also developed at Lesley when the college became a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III, in 1995.
