Paine College’s Board of Trustees has selected the school’s next president.
Rev. Lester A. McCorn has been appointed to lead the school, the board announced Thursday. McCorn is currently president of Clinton College, a historically Black college in Rock Hill, where he has also served as professor of Christian Leadership, since 2017.
His seven-year tenure as president there saw the addition of five new bachelor’s programs, the launching of a department that secured more than $20 million in grants and awards, the development of a digital library, and increases in both student enrollment and graduation.
“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,” said Paine Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Thurmond.
Paine is affiliated with both the United Methodist Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in which its new president-select is an ordained elder. McCorn, who earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in 2011, has pastored several churches, including the Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Church in Baltimore.
“Connecting Paine College’s historic past with a strategic vision for the future will catapult this institution into unparalleled prominence in American higher education,” said McCord on his acceptance of the college’s chief role. “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.”
McCord formally introduced himself to students, staff and faculty in a set of three presentations on Oct. 18 at Paine’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel. He is also slated to host a series of listening sessions to garner feedback from stakeholders.
Current president Cheryl Evans Jones announced her upcoming retirement, after five years as president and 31 years at the college, earlier this year. McCord is to assume his role as president on Jan. 1, 2025.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
