One of the campus community’s favorite stories about President Joseph Moore’s commitment to students features a stellar young tennis player who arrived at Threshold, a certificate program for students with learning challenges, but couldn’t play on the university tennis team since Threshold doesn’t offer a four-year degree.
“He’s always been a very visible presence on campus, making a point
to chat with students in the student center and the dining hall,” says
alumna Rosie Heller (’16).
So President Joseph Moore met with him, played him in a tennis match and, witnessing the student’s potential, successfully petitioned the collegiate athletic association for an exception. Det Newton went on to captain the Lesley team and became a tennis pro after graduation.
“President Moore stops to talk, listen and learn from students, enquiring with sincerity and enthusiasm about their experiences at Lesley,” says David Newton, a university trustee and Det’s father. “Though Joe has a demanding job, he is at heart a teacher and he has never forgotten that lifelong learning is the purpose of education, and that the student experience at Lesley is fundamental to that purpose.”
More than a university administrator, most students know “Joe” by name. Whether he is mentoring adult learners, cheering on the sidelines of school sporting events, attending student shows, or meeting with state and White House officials about college affordability and accessibility, he advocates tirelessly for the university and its constituents.
President Moore retires this week after nine years at Lesley, leaving an imprint throughout the physical campus, academic programs and the community.
President Moore and his wife, Beth Chiquoine (right) speak with
award-winning educator and Lesley alumna Kimberley Gilles.
“He’s always been a very visible presence on campus, making a point to chat with students in the student center and the dining hall,” says Rosie Heller, who graduated in May. “He and his wife always invited students over. He would even make it to my tennis matches. I felt very comforted and safe on the campus because he knew me.”
Heller adds, “We were lucky to have a college president who cares so deeply about the inner workings of Lesley, who shows interest in the student experience and values the education we’re getting — he wants it to be the best education possible.”
BRINGING ARTS TO THE FOREFRONT
During Dr. Moore’s tenure, the university’s footprint has expanded by 40 percent, including the creation of Lesley’s Brattle Campus, which provided critical space for student housing, classrooms, the library and administrative offices. The construction of the Lunder Arts Center in Porter Square united Lesley’s campuses in Cambridge and cemented the arts and creativity at the forefront of a Lesley education.
“Joe was the key Lesley person responsible for bringing the new Lunder Arts Center into being, adding a true jewel to Lesley’s campuses,” says Dean Emeritus Stan Trecker. “His legacy in the arts is that he transported us into the 21st century.”
President Moore’s wife, Beth Chiquoine, has regularly opened their home to students for community service bake drives, student government gatherings and more. She has been a key ally to the university Women’s Center, an engaged volunteer in the Cambridge schools, and a staunch supporter of the arts at Lesley.
“With Beth’s keen eye, they have filled university spaces with Lesley artwork, exposing all visitors to the exceptional art being produced by our students, alumni and faculty,” adds Trecker.
EMBRACING LESLEY’S MISSION
After leaving college on two different occasions to chart his own course, Moore returned to school and eventually earned his doctorate. He spent most of his career working in public higher education before arriving at Lesley. He has used his experience — both inside and outside of academia — as well as his curiosity and concern to create an environment that encourages students to carve a path to their education and goals, irrespective of their background and barriers.
Joseph Moore welcomes President Clinton to the Lesley University
Boston Speakers Series.
“He didn’t come from huge privilege and he really understands personally what that’s like, what the investment in education can mean for the future, and how critically important it is that the quality of the academic program and student life experience meets every student’s need and expectation,” says Marylou Batt, Lesley’s vice president for administration. “He saw how important it was in his life.”
Parents, professors and community members laud his responsiveness, his ability to listen, and his belief in ensuring a quality education for every student.
“He’s made so many advancements at Lesley,” says Professor Emerita Anne Larkin, who has been at Lesley for nearly five decades. “All the new buildings, the new programs, the diversity initiatives, and the many partnerships — I think that’s what we’re all about.”
President Moore has shepherded key initiatives that reflect his most deeply held values, such as the Kennedy-Longfellow School partnership to enhance access to technology and learning in the early grades, the Strauch-Mosse Endowed Visiting Artist Lecture Series, the Boston Speakers Series, the Urban Scholars Initiative and the Community College Partnership.
“Serving as president during the financial crisis in 2008 and its aftermath really affected me as I thought about who has access to higher education,” reflects President Moore. “I’ve spent more of my time trying to figure out, as the middle class diminishes, how traditional higher education is going to respond to the needs of a more diverse population. As income inequality grows, it’s been a powerful experience for me to try to think out with colleagues how are we going to shape ourselves as an institution.”
LEGACY OF INNOVATION
“He didn’t come from huge privilege and he really understands
personally what that’s like, what the investment in education can
mean for the future,” says Marylou Batt, vice president for
administration. “He saw how important it was in his life.”
President Moore helped continue Lesley’s evolution from a professional school of education to a unique liberal arts and fine arts university. He was committed to increasing diversity on campus, not just numerically, but with well-rounded programming that welcomes and supports students of different backgrounds.
Described by Provost Selase Williams as a “dedicated and humane leader,” President Moore was the driving force behind a change in the undergraduate tuition model, bringing greater transparency to the cost of a Lesley education while indexing future increases against a lower bottom line. During his tenure, the university expanded its portfolio of academic programs, broadened its reach into the global arena and bolstered online courses.
“Joe Moore has been an extraordinary president,” says Dr. Williams, who praises Dr. Moore’s understanding of the issues and trends in higher education, coupled with his fiscal acuity. “He has provided visionary leadership as one of the most adept and skillful administrators in the non-profit higher education sector.”
He’s been a champion for creating a campus athletic center to provide a space for all students to interact and engage in healthy activities, placing it at the forefront of the university’s agenda going forward. As he retires, President Moore leaves a legacy of innovation and support for a range of programs and on behalf of all students, including “traditional” undergraduates, adult learners, graduate students, off-campus students, online students, and students with unique learning challenges.
“Joe’s commitment to and passion for education and his dedication to the Lesley community — particularly its students — have been incredible to witness,” says alumna Deborah Schwartz Raizes (’69), chair of the university trustees. “Lesley University has been extremely fortunate to have benefited from his extraordinary leadership during his tenure as president. His nuanced understanding of the competitive landscape of higher education and instinctive ability to skillfully guide Lesley during the last nine years has enabled the university to expand its reach while remaining true to its mission. His accomplishments, both at Lesley and over the course of his career, are numerous and impressive. He has been an outstanding leader, a collaborative partner and a good friend. On behalf of the Board, I wish Joe and his wife, Beth, great happiness in their post-Lesley life.”