History of the Threshold Program

Lesley University:

• has a one hundred year history of educating people for the helping professions and
• has maintained a consistent focus on disciplines which reflect its mission: education, human services, management, and the arts.

The Threshold Program:

• was founded in 1982 by Dr. Arlyn Roffman, Professor of Education at Lesley University, and
• was the first college-based program in the nation to provide work/life skills to students with special needs.

David Leslie was appointed Director of Threshold Program in 1996 and served until 2003.

Jim Wilbur, who had served the program for fourteen years as Director of Admissions, was appointed Director of Threshold in 2003. Jim continues the tradition of strong leadership and innovation.

For twenty-nine years the Threshold Program has been committed to outreach and educating the public about the gifts and special needs of students with learning disabilities.