J. Lee Lehman

Lehman College, established in 1931 as part of Hunter College, became an independent institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) in 1968. Named after former New York governor Herbert H. Lehman, it is situated in the Bronx and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees across six academic schools. The college's history includes serving as a military training ground during World War II and hosting early United Nations Security Council sessions.

The campus features a blend of architectural styles, including Collegiate Gothic and modern designs, and houses significant facilities such as a multimedia center, a state-of-the-art Science Hall, and a performing arts center. Lehman College is committed to student diversity and academic excellence, offering specialized programs like the Macaulay Honors College and the Lehman Scholars Program, alongside initiatives for high school students through College Now. The college also engages in research through various institutes focused on areas like Mexican Studies, Irish-American Studies, and Health Equity.

Lehman College originated in 1931 as the Bronx campus of Hunter College. Its early years saw it exclusively admitting women, preparing them for the latter two years of their undergraduate studies at Hunter's Manhattan campus. During World War II, the campus played a crucial role as a national training center for women in the military, notably the WAVES and SPARS, accommodating approximately 95,000 volunteers. Following the war, the site briefly housed the nascent United Nations in 1946, serving as the location for the first sessions of its Security Council. The college officially separated from Hunter College and became an independent unit of CUNY on July 1, 1968, renamed Herbert H. Lehman College in honor of the former New York governor.

The Lehman College campus spans 37 acres and showcases a mix of Collegiate Gothic and contemporary architectural styles. It is located near the Jerome Park Reservoir. Key facilities include a multimedia center with a recording studio and production control rooms, and the BronxNet public access channel. The Science Hall, opened in 2012, received LEED platinum certification for its sustainable design and advanced laboratories. The campus also boasts the Lehman College Center for the Performing Arts, a professional theater, and the Apex, a modern athletic and fitness facility designed by Rafael Viñoly. A new nursing building was added in 2024.

Lehman College operates six academic schools and the Macaulay Honors College, offering over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Its academic structure includes schools focusing on Arts & Humanities, Education, Natural and Social Sciences, Business, Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing, along with Continuing Education. The selective Macaulay Honors College provides full scholarships and unique opportunities for high-achieving students. The Lehman Scholars Program offers a more independent liberal arts study path. Additionally, programs like College Now enable high school students to earn college credit, and the Freshman Year Initiative supports new students through structured coursework and peer support.

The college hosts several research institutes that foster interdisciplinary study and community involvement. The Mexican Studies Institute at CUNY focuses on research, advocacy, and services related to Mexico and the Mexican-American community, aiming to enhance student success and serve as a community resource. The CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies supports scholarship on Irish and Irish American history and culture through public events and publications. The CUNY Institute for Health Equity works to address health disparities through coordinated research, teaching, and community engagement.