Jarvis Christian University President and CEO Dr. Lester C. Newman will retire in June.
Newman has served for 47 years in higher education and for the past11 years has helmed Jarvis. A successor is expected to be named before Jul. 1.
“Some of you have heard rumors. Some of you have probably had bets,” Newman said. “But there comes a time when a leader knows it is time to step aside. Jarvis needs a new perspective, new energy and a new leader. I called this meeting today because I wanted my students, faculty and staff to hear it from me first.”
During his tenure at Jarvis, he brought the school out of financial danger, improved enrollment, bolstered athletics, expanded educational programs, and led the school through its transition from a college to a university.