Anne Shumadine, the first female Rector of EVMS and long-term supporter of the institution, has died. She was Chairman and Founder of Signature, a wealth-management company based in Hampton Roads.

“She was a renowned community leader, businessperson and role model for all those who were privileged to know and work with her,” said Richard Homan, MD, President and Provost and Dean of the School of Medicine, in a campus announcement July 24.

Mrs. Shumadine became the school’s first female Rector when she was elected by her colleagues in 2012 to lead the all-volunteer EVMS Board of Visitors. She served two one-year terms as Rector. She also led four board committees, including the Audit and Compliance committee and the Finance committee.

“She demonstrated exemplary leadership during her service on the Board, lending her keen business and financial expertise and wisdom to the institution,” Dr. Homan said. “Her counsel was invaluable in helping advance our community-oriented mission.

During her tenure, the school enhanced support for research, formalized the emphasis on service learning, enriched the institution’s culture through a heightened commitment to diversity, and achieved steady growth in our educational programs. She also helped cultivate and enhance relationships with key strategic partners, a process essential to our success.

Beyond her volunteer role with EVMS, she was active in many other nonprofit organizations, including Old Dominion University (where she also served as Rector), Virginia Wesleyan University and the ACCESS College Foundation.

“Her leadership and passion will be missed,” Dr. Homan said. “Our thoughts go out to her family in this difficult time.”