October 24, 204 — Paine College’s Board of Trustees has proudly announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn as the President-select, set to begin his role on January 1, 2025. Dr. McCorn, a renowned leader in higher education, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the institution. His transformative leadership has made a significant impact, particularly during his tenure as President of Clinton College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he also served as Professor of Christian Leadership since 2017.
An ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Dr. McCorn has a diverse background in ministry, having led congregations in Boston, Connecticut, Atlanta, and Baltimore, including serving as Senior Pastor of the historic Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion Church.
A native of Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. McCorn’s academic credentials include:
– Doctor of Ministry, United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH)
– Master of Arts, Chicago Theological Seminary (Chicago, IL)
– Master of Divinity, Yale Divinity School (New Haven, CT)
– Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Charter Oak State College (Newington, CT)
– Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology, Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)
Upon his appointment, Dr. McCorn expressed his gratitude:
I am deeply honored to join Paine College, a historic institution with a profound legacy. I look forward to working alongside trustees, administrators, alumni, students, faculty, and the broader community to propel Paine College toward new heights of excellence in American higher education.
Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, the outgoing president, will retire after 31 years of dedicated service. She has been instrumental in developing the Transformation Plan that will continue under Dr. McCorn’s leadership.
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).