Paine College is ushering the spring semester with a new president.
Rev. Dr. Lester McCorn spoke at a convocation event on Jan. 29 at Paine’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel, expressing his pride in being elected as its 18th leader.
“This is an iconic institution that is steadily being reminded of its greatness,” said McCorn. “You have my word that I will give the students and this institution the very best I have, because that is what you deserve,” he added, addressing a room full of scholars and faculty.
McCorn had served as president of Clinton College in Rock Hill, S.C. for nearly eight years.
Addressing challenges and adversity
A press conference directly after Wednesday morning’s event shed light on McCorn’s thought process following President Donald Trump’s plan to temporarily freeze federal grants and loans, a move that has made college leaders apprehensive, fearing that they could lose access to a multiplicity of federal funds.
A federal judge blocked this order and it is on hold until at least Monday.
“We’re waiting with anticipation, but obviously we want it to be in our favor as an institution dependent on federal aid,” said McCorn.
McCorn also spoke about the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene.
He stated that the natural disaster gave administration an opportunity to look more closely at gaps and deficiencies in the college’s fiscal plan. According to McCorn, the school would probably not be looking at the plan with such “meticulous care” if not for the occurrence.
Paine College suffered approximately $5 million in damage related to Helene.
Immediate Priorities
McCorn said that his top priorities for the school include supercharging its academic offerings by adding on degree programs that will prepare students for in-demand careers.
He mentioned health sciences and cybersecurity programs as well as hospitality and tourism degrees.
He also said that a slew of new faculty may be incoming in the near future. “There are very gifted and talented, skilled professionals who want to lend their talents to Paine College,” he said.
McCorn is working with a transition team made up of faculty, staff, students and community members to bring his vision for Paine College to life. He said that a report on the team’s progress will be given on the 100th day of the semester, April 11.
