Thankful for the opportunity: Pretlow reflects on productive career

Lester Pretlow, PhD, has always been an impeccable dresser.

His wife makes fun of him because of the suits he would wear in high school, which sometimes involved a plaid jacket. But the significance of that comes from his family who for more than 100 years has operated a funeral home.

“My grandfather and my great-grandfather were some of the most immaculate dressers that you have ever seen. I don’t ever remember seeing my grandfather not in a beautiful suit or not looking the very best that he could,” said Pretlow, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences. “I think a lot of it comes from seeing that growing up.”

He has carried that professional look into his career, first in the military and then into healthcare. Now, Pretlow is set to retire after almost 30 years in higher education, including the past 25 at Augusta University.

Getting into higher education

Pretlow earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia and a doctoral degree from Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School. He originally started in pre-med but realized being a physician was not his calling.

He was newly married with two children to care for and working part time at the funeral home with his family. He began to explore what he could do with the degree he had and discovered a doctorate program at Old Dominion in biomedical science with a very specific emphasis in the clinical laboratory.

“That interested me because I wasn’t interested in inorganic chemistry but I did have a passion for biochemistry and I liked learning about the processes in the body,” Pretlow said.

Once he neared the end of his doctorate program, he began seeking postdoc positions. Now a family of four, Pretlow thought he needed more than a postdoc salary. Around that time, the United States Army was recruiting for individuals with backgrounds in biomedical sciences, specifically in clinical chemistry.

“I responded to that recruitment and next thing you know, I was in the Army as Capt. Pretlow. I was commissioned as an officer and had eight years of service. My first assignment was here in Augusta at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in the basement in clinical pathology,” he said. “I went to inactive after serving active duty for almost four years after my daughter had been accepted to Georgia Tech. I got lucky enough to come over here [to AU].”

Pretlow joined CAHS in the Department of Medical Technology. The college needed someone with his exact background and he led the design and development of the university’s translational research laboratory for clinical chemistry.

Leader with character

Greg Passmore, PhD, said “leadership isn’t about being in charge but it’s about taking care of those in your charge. For the past eight years, Pretlow has done exactly that.”

Passmore first interacted with Pretlow when he asked to be paired at a fundraising golf tournament. Passmore said they shared the same skill level: see the ball, swing at the ball, find the ball.

“We went in with high hopes and left with the ‘we finished last’ golf bag towel award,” said Passmore, who is chair of the Undergraduate Health Professions Department. “Even while hunting for balls in the rough, I saw the same character I saw in the office: someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously but takes their responsibilities to heart.”

Colleen Hergott, DPT, DHSc, is chair for the Department of Physical Therapy. She first met Pretlow when she came to AU 10 years ago as a faculty member. She remembers being struck by his smile and calm, kind demeanor. She noted he had a way of making people feel welcome and consistently made time to say hello and ask how she was doing.

The interactions Hergott would have with Pretlow resonated because of the level of care he showed her and the rest of the college.

“Dr. Pretlow takes the time to truly listen. He asks what I need, what is going on and how he can help,” Hergott said. “He is never in a rush and even when I bring concerns or problems to him, he listens with kindness and makes me feel heard.

“I can get caught up in my to-do list and in trying to get everything done, but he has shown me the importance of slowing down, listening well and prioritizing people and relationships. I have watched him do this not only with me, but also in his interactions with others. He is such a strong leader because he is present, supportive and focused on helping others.”

Amanda Behr, PhD, is department chair and professor for the Medical Illustration graduate program. She interacted with Pretlow when he became associate dean for Academic Affairs and said he has been a consistent and meaningful supporter of their students and faculty.

“He has championed student success in clear, practical ways. This includes strong support for department growth in areas such as medical sculpture, expanded animation training, and travel opportunities that allow faculty and students to showcase their work and talents.”

Kevin Kindle joined AU in June 2020 as the Radiation Therapy Program Director and an assistant professor. From the moment he met Pretlow, he said he was remarkably easy to talk to.

“When I came in for my interview in February, our interview quickly became a conversation spanning many topics, and before I left, he recommended a book he thought would shape my thinking,” Kindle said. “During my first week on the job, he handed me a copy of that very book, the Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni. To me, that simple gesture spoke volumes: he was a leader who followed through, who remembered what mattered, and who was genuinely invested in the growth and success of those around him. As King Solomon wrote, ‘The wise in heart are called discerning,’ and from the beginning it was clear that his leadership was rooted in wisdom and sincerity.”

Pretlow served as a mentor to Kindle, who said he sets a standard of excellence that is both inspiring and humbling. Kindle said if he can reflect even a fraction of his character, leadership and humility, “then I will have achieved something worthy of pride.”

Kindle remembers when he joined AU, Pretlow met monthly with the new faculty to guide their transition into the CAHS.

“He ensured not only that we understood our roles, but that we felt supported, connected and equipped to succeed.”

In 2022, Kindle decided to pursue his doctorate and he needed a dissertation chair.

“Despite the enormous responsibilities he already carried as dean, he was the only faculty member who agreed to take on the role,” Kindle said. “He carved out time, consistently and generously, to prepare me as a researcher and to make sure I had the support I needed. His mentorship has been one of the greatest privileges of my academic journey.”

James Bryan II, DHSc, is a double Jag who graduated in clinical lab science in 2003 and 2013. He first met Pretlow in 2001 in the clinical chemistry course and found him to be articulate and approachable.

Bryan has been an assistant professor for seven years. He said during his early years with Pretlow, he learned about professionalism.

“He conveyed a word of advice that I practice until this day. ‘You don’t have to be harsh to people to gain respect, I have gotten this far in my career by just being nice, showing courtesy, and respect to all cultures regardless of creed,’” Bryan said.

Pretlow was a licensed funeral director for years, and he learned a lot working with his family. He credits the funeral business with honing some of his interpersonal skills because he was there to help during a difficult and emotional time.

“You really have to be on your best behavior and just take your time with people, and I think that’s where I learned how to interact with people in a proper way,” Pretlow said.

Serving with purpose

Pretlow was director for the translational research laboratory. He said it was an opportunity to use his skills as a laboratory director and develop a clinical laboratory within the university where people could do clinical testing.

“I don’t think I am a star and I don’t think my chairs or supporting deans think they’re the star. If there are any stars, it’s the students that we’re trying to take care of.”

Lester Pretlow, PhD, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences

When he was appointed dean in 2018, he had earned nearly $1 million in grants and served as the college’s associate dean for Academic Affairs since 2013. The dean at the time, Andrew Balas, PhD, had a growth mindset.

“What he needed was someone who could help the college grow and that was me,” Pretlow said. “What I became an expert at was developing and starting new programs. I started the Bachelor of Science in Health Services. I expanded the public health program. I started the Applied Health Sciences PhD. I bought nutrition and dietetics on board, and just recently, Speech-Language Pathology. During my tenure here, we have looked for ways to expand academic programming and have been pretty successful at it.”

Former dean, Biagio Vericella, EdD, said he met Pretlow not long after he became dean and thought he was a hard worker who was respected and helpful to all chairs in Allied Health as well as the faculty and students.

“He supported the entire research and teaching program and brought in large amounts of funding to support all of the programs,” said Vericella, who served as dean from 1988-2001. “He was highly known and involved in many Allied Health programs at the national level. He was very well thought of in all parts of the state. Thank you for your efforts in this program.”

Pretlow achieved a lot during his time, bringing stability and organization to the college. He feels accomplished because he was able to hire the right people while trying not to shine a light too bright on himself or the faculty and keeping the focus on the students.

“I don’t think I am a star and I don’t think my chairs or supporting deans think they’re the star. If there are any stars, it’s the students that we’re trying to take care of,” Pretlow said. “We’re trying to produce future health professionals so that they can be the very best and go out from here. If you ask me what I’m most proud of what we have created: We have created a community of scholars and health professionals who love what they do. We have been able to do that by understanding that you must create good culture first. I think that’s what I have tried to focus on here and I think we’ve done it.”

Hergott said Pretlow has been an incredible advocate for the PT department and her leadership role since day one, stating he consistently works to ensure they are supported and that they have what they need to teach effectively.

Hergott said they met monthly when she became chair with Pretlow providing guidance, something she has noticed is a common occurrence with the rest of CAHS.

“He helps clear and steer the pathway so faculty and staff can do what they do best. His advocacy has made us feel valued, supported and able to focus on the work that matters most,” she said. “What means so much is that his advocacy is never about his own agenda. It is about supporting faculty so we can support and educate students. He shows up for us in so many ways, communicates clearly and transparently, and keeps the door open for honest conversations. Our department is excellent because of his leadership.”

Looking to the future

Retirement is going to be a discovery for Pretlow. In his words, he doesn’t know who he is without the weight of the college on him. He’s had the stress that comes with leadership for so long and there are times he doesn’t know who he’ll be without those pressures.

He collaborated with Scott Wise, MS, who has been at the university for almost 40 years as an associate professor and Clinical Laboratory Science Program Director. Wise, who served as lab manager for that project, said Pretlow is a very kind and personable individual.

“It has been a true pleasure and joy working with you and I wish you the best of luck in retirement,” Wise said.

Passmore said he doesn’t just think of strategic plans or academic milestones when it comes to Pretlow’s tenure.

“We think of a leader who navigated us through numerous leadership and name changes, program and college expansion, the COVID epidemic and Hurricane Helene, all with a steady hand and a sense of caring that left you feeling secure,” Passmore said.  “You have been a tireless advocate for our students and programs, and a positive mentor to our faculty.”

Bryan said it was a privileged and honor to work for him and found it “almost unfathomable” that he went from student to colleague. He is grateful for the time they had together.

“Thank you for being a paragon in my educational, professional and personal life,” Bryan said. “You have done your bit for King and Country and deserve every comfort and happiness. We are both men of the one true God, and I wish you many blessings.”

Kindle referenced Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of his friend” – when describing the impact Pretlow has had on his life.

“You leave behind a legacy of exceptional leadership, steadfast character and professional excellence,” Kindle said. “But greater than these is the sense of family and unity you fostered in a time when such things are far too rare. Your wisdom, your example, and your kindness will continue to sharpen those you have led, taught and mentored – myself included. Thank you for everything.”

Pretlow leaves AU grateful for his career and proud to forever be a Jaguar.

“I am a Jaguar because I grew up here. I’ve been here for 25 years and this has been the highlight of my professional career,” he said. “I will always be thankful to Augusta University for the time that I have spent here. Just so thankful for the opportunity to serve.”