PAINE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SELECTS DR. LESTER MCCORN AS NEXT PRESIDENT OF PAINE COLLEGE

Augusta, Ga…The Board of Trustees of Paine College is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn as President-select. Known for his transformational leadership in higher education, Dr. McCorn brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Paine College. McCorn will assume the presidency of the college on January 1, 2025.

Since 2017, McCorn has served as President and Professor of Christian Leadership at Clinton College located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He served as pastor of churches in Boston, Connecticut, Atlanta and as Senior Pastor of the Historic 1,500-member Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

A native of Worchester, Massachusetts, McCorn earned a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH) in 2011; a Master of Arts from Chicago Theological Seminary (Chicago, ILL) in 2003; a Master of Divinity Studies from Yale University School of Divinity (New Haven, CT) in 1999; a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Charter Oak State College (Newington, CT) in 2001; and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology from Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) in 1989.

“Dr. McCorn is a proven leader who has demonstrated a clear and concise vision for institutional change, while identifying and executing a comprehensive plan designed to achieve successful student outcomes,” stated Michael Thurmond, Chairman of the Paine College Board of Trustees.

During McCorn’s seven-year tenure as president of Clinton College, the institution:

• Added five new bachelor’s degrees: Nursing, Cybersecurity, Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies and pending a Bachelor of Public Health (BPH);

• Increased student enrollment by 27% in fall 2024;

• Improved student retention by 20% and graduation rates by 25%;

• Established a Department of Sponsored Programs and Grants and secured over $20 million in grants and awards;

• Granted $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund a Cybersecurity program;

• Constructed the first Digital Library and Learning Commons at an HBCU (2021) with a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Lab and a new Academic Center for Excellence, with faculty offices, writing lab and a new Nursing Simulation Lab; and

• Earned ten years accrediting reaffirmation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), with no recommendations, findings, or suggestions in 2023.

McCorn stated, “I am honored to accept the presidency of Paine College. My acceptance originates from a place of deep respect and admiration for the legacy and significance of this historic institution. Connecting Paine College’s historic past with a strategic vision for the future will catapult this institution into unparalleled prominence in American higher education. I relish the opportunity to collaborate with Paine College’s trustees, administrators, alumni, students, faculty, stakeholders, and civic and business leaders to realize our vision for higher education excellence.”

McCorn is married to Mrs. Charlene M. McCorn, an elementary school teacher in Fort Mill, South Carolina. They are the proud parents of four adult children and five grandchildren. He is a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, outgoing president, recently retired after 31 years of distinguished service at Paine. Dr. Jones played a pivotal role in the development of the Transformation Plan that will carry forward under the leadership of President-select McCorn. She is committed to working with the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

Although formal introductions commenced with students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and local business leaders on October 18th, the College will organize additional focus group meetings with the campus family, stakeholders, business and community leaders, to share in the excitement of this new chapter in the history of the Institution. President-select McCorn will host a series of listening sessions designed to gather feedback from constituents and community partners to chart a course for Paine College.

The College invites media outlets to direct inquiries to Helene Carter, VP of Institutional Advancement, at (706) 821.8323 or hcarter@paine.edu.

About Paine College

Paine College, located in Augusta, Georgia, is a private, four-year HBCU that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Paine offers a liberal arts education and is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).