FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/7/08
Bill Doncaster
(617) 349-8525
wdoncast@lesley.edu

Lesley University and Episcopal Divinity School Enter New Partnership

Shared Vision for Future of Facilities, Programs on EDS Campus

Cambridge, MA -- Lesley University and The Episcopal Divinity School announce a new partnership toward a shared future on the EDS campus, adjacent to Brattle Street in Cambridge.  The partnership includes the sale of seven buildings to Lesley University, academic program enhancements, and shared facilities for such uses as a library, student dining and services, and campus maintenance. 

Episcopal Divinity School President and Dean Steven Charleston and Lesley University President Joseph B. Moore hailed the agreement as one that supports the missions of both schools – providing needed facilities for planned growth at Lesley University and a strong financial foundation for EDS.

Through a purchase and sale agreement signed by both institutions, Lesley and EDS will become two members of a condominium association governing much of the EDS campus while maintaining individual identities.  Lesley will own seven buildings on the campus, including residence halls and the dining facility; provide some student services for both schools, and collaborate on exploring new academic opportunities for EDS students through Lesley’s two graduate schools.  Lesley and EDS will share ownership of Sherrill Hall where they will collaborate on library services for students of both schools.

“This partnership anchors the financial foundation of EDS while releasing our creative energy as never before,” said EDS President and Dean Steven Charleston.  “Through this partnership, we’re positioned to grow in vital areas like faculty development, student financial support, learning technologies, and community life, enhancing our capacity to train future leaders for the church and the world by securing our future in this place.”

“This is a unique opportunity for Lesley to move closer to our goals for increased student housing, academic space and library services, and in a manner that makes effective use of institutional space in Cambridge,” said Lesley University President Joseph B. Moore.  “With the growth of Lesley University, and the planned relocation of our Art Institute of Boston to Porter Square, we’re excited about this new partnership on a shared campus and a long and positive relationship with EDS.”

The signing of the purchase and sale agreement begins a period of due diligence towards a closing process beginning in the fall of 2008.  During this period, representatives from both institutions will work together to develop plans for shared services and space, operation of the library, and formation of the condominium association.

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Episcopal Divinity School (www.eds.edu) is a respected center of study and spiritual formation for lay and ordained leaders with a strong commitment to justice, compassion, and reconciliation. EDS, formed in 1974 with the merger of Philadelphia Divinity School (founded in 1857) and Episcopal Theological School (founded in 1867), offers doctor of ministry and master’s degrees, as well as certificates in theological studies. Located on an eight acre campus just a few blocks from Harvard Yard, EDS is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine eminent theological schools, seminaries, and departments of religion.

Lesley University (www.lesley.edu) is a 12,000-student, multi-site university for women and men, is one of the nation's largest providers of graduate professional education opportunities to K-12 educators. Anchored by a strong liberal arts curriculum, Lesley offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, the arts, human services and the environment at its Cambridge and Boston campuses, online, and in 150 locations in 24 states. Lesley's four schools include the School of Education, the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, The Art Institute of Boston, and Lesley College, an undergraduate residential college. Lesley University prepares individuals for lives and careers that make a difference, and serves the evolving needs of students and a diverse society through innovative programs and pedagogy, high quality instruction, scholarship, advocacy, and outreach.