AUGUSTA, GA – Last month, the Board of Trustees of Paine College announced 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, IL) 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 200; 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 outcome.” – Michael Thurmond, Chairman of the Paine College Board of Trustees

“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.” – Dr. Lester McCorn, President-select

“I wholeheartedly commend the Board of Trustees of Paine College for their exceptional choice of Dr. Lester McCorn as the next president of the College. We are resolute in our belief that Paine College will thrive under the strategic vision of President-select Dr. McCorn. We eagerly anticipate HCF’s unwavering support throughout his transformative journey and extend our heartfelt wishes to him.” – Demetrius Johnson, Jr., HCF Founder, President and CEO

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.

Paine College, located in Augusta, Georgia, is a private institution steeped in the tenets of Methodism that provides a liberal arts education of the highest quality. The College emphasizes academic excellence, ethical and spiritual values, social responsibility, and personal development to prepare spiritually-centered men and women for positions of leadership and services. For more information, visit www.paine.edu.

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