Lester to step down as EVMS president

Eastern Virginia Medical School President Harry T. Lester has announced he is leaving effective April 15.

EVMS Provost and Dean Richard V. Homan will succeed him.

Lester was rector of the medical school in Norfolk, when he took over as interim president in 2005 before agreeing to serve long term.

“I told the board that I would stay as long as they need me — that, when I had done what I can do, I’d leave the presidency,” Lester said in a statement. “I’ve accomplished the things that I set out to do on behalf of EVMS. We have a highly qualified person currently serving as our Provost and Dean of Medicine, and it’s time to begin the transition to the next generation of leadership at EVMS.”
Over the past eight years, Lester’s accomplishments include gaining additional state funding for the school, increased public awareness, first capital funding from the state for a the Education and Research Building and renovations to Lewis Hall, adoption of the school’s first strategic plan and increased financial support.

Lester said he plans to continue to contribute to the Hampton Roads community, but he has not decided on his next challenge. During the remainder of his presidency, he will focus on fundraising and legislative issues as Homan assumes new responsibilities.