John Angelo Lester began his secondary training in the college prep department at Fisk University in 1883.

[5] Among a select few, he was also involved in Fisk's effort to build the first gymnasium among Historically Black colleges and universities by soliciting donations throughout the Nashville community.

[6] After graduating in 1890, Lester trained with clergy and laymen in preparation for a short stint as the secretary for the Fisk University YMCA during the 1890-1 term.

[8] At this point in his academic career, Lester had earned the recognition of other notable pioneers in the field of Negro medical education.

They depended on the thorough recitations of "the exact [Professor] Lester" to give them ample book-knowledge on their subjects, within their burdened learning environment.

Meharry students' burden was being denied internship opportunities at Nashville area hospitals, an essential component of medical education, due to racial discrimination.

Lester was an advocate for the elevated admissions requirements, curriculum improvement, facilities development and fundraising efforts that earned Meharry Medical College its accreditation and reputation throughout his tenure.

Lester's educational philosophy is evidenced by his scholarly papers delivered at annual National Medical Association conferences.

These annual clinics allowed hundreds of the needy and infirmed to receive essential medical attention from experienced Negro surgeons, among them, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams of Chicago and nurse superintendent Dr. Josie E. Wells of Nashville.

Lester traveled the country, taking particular focus on gathering Meharryites and soliciting donations for the building of the Hubbard Hospital in 1915 and the Meharry Endowment Fund in 1917.

Lester became the dean of the Medical Department in 1915 and was awarded the post of Professor Emeritus after serving Meharry for fifteen more years in that capacity.

As a member of these professional organizations, Lester was able to directly serve the public and combat tuberculosis, a steady health threat throughout the nation.

In 1913, Lester, with favorable commentary, urged a fair-sized audience at Pleasant Green Baptist Church to patronize the new Davidson County Tuberculosis Hospital.

Ironically, those invited Negro physicians would remain restricted from practicing in the public segregated hospital they were expected to advocate for.

He was surrounded by the activities of the Boyd Building, home to numerous fraternal groups, the People's Savings Bank and many other businesses.

[24] These public speakers would carry a supportive message into local communities regarding the War front, War-time Saving Bonds and food ration efforts.

Rebecca Lester also led field workers in a highly effective campaign to gather donations and pledges for Nashville families affected negatively by the War.