Paine College Investiture of Dr. Lester A. McCorn: Local BIPOC Farmers Pledge Support and Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Karen Gordon
Director
Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency
(762) 233-5299
kgordon@growingaugusta.org
Local BIPOC Farmers Pledge Support for Paine College at Investiture of Dr. Lester A. McCorn, Declare Partnership in Service to Community
Augusta, Georgia – September 11, 2025 – Paine College will formally inaugurate Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn as its 18th President in a week-long series of events culminating in the Presidential Investiture at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel.
In an act that underscores the strong ties between civic institutions and grassroots leaders, a coalition of local BIPOC farmers has today announced their intention to attend the investiture and invest in a continued partnership with Paine. “We view Paine as a critical partner in our work within the community,” said Karen Gordon, Director of Growing Augusta, representing the farmers. “We pledge our support, in solidarity, for Dr. McCorn’s vision and the transformative work ahead.”
Investiture Week Highlights
Starting September 15, Paine College will host a series of events designed to engage students, alumni, civic partners, and the larger Augusta community.
Monday, September 15
Jim Dent Memorial Golf Classic at Goshen Golf Club (9:00 AM) – Proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Tuesday, September 16
President’s Inaugural Community Toast at Haygood Holsey Fountain (6:00 PM). Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, September 17
Inaugural Lecture featuring Dr. Hakim Lucas, President of Virginia Union University (11:00 AM); followed by “Clocking the Constitution” at 2:00 PM; and an Ecumenical Worship Service at 6:30 PM. All events free and public.
Thursday, September 18
Presidential Investiture ceremony at 11:00 AM; reception to follow. In the evening, the Inauguration Gala at the Columbia County Exhibition Center. Black-tie event benefiting the Lester A. and Charlene McCorn Presidential Excellence Fund.
Friday, September 19
40 Under 40 Induction Ceremony honoring young Paine alumni and professionals (7:00 PM, Candler Memorial Library); President’s VIP Golf Outing (invitation only).
Saturday, September 20
PaineFest – campus festival hosted by Paine students (10:00 AM, Peters Campus Center Lawn).
About Dr. Lester A. McCorn & Institutional Vision
Dr. McCorn assumed his duties as President of Paine College on January 1, 2025. His leadership is marked by a deep commitment to transformational institutional change. Previously, at Clinton College, he oversaw significant enrollment growth, campus improvements, and successful accreditation outcomes.
Central to his work at Paine is the 10-Year Transformation Plan, in partnership with collaborators such as Augusta National Golf Club and Bank of America, aimed at strengthening academic excellence, community engagement, and student success.
Farmers’ Pledge & Community Partnership
The local coalition of Black, Indigenous, and people of color farmers—whose livelihoods anchor many neighborhoods around Paine—see the College as more than just an academic institution. They have expressed that Paine’s role in educating youth, shaping civic leadership, and promoting equitable economic opportunity aligns closely with their work cultivating food security, land stewardship, and community resilience. Their pledge includes:
Active participation in the investiture events in solidarity with Paine College;
Pursuing collaborative projects with Paine students and faculty around sustainable agriculture, food equity, and local economies;
Supporting Paine’s student scholars through mentorship, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Quotes
“This investiture is not just about marking a new presidency. It’s about lifting up Paine College as an anchor institution - one that can partner with all of us to imagine and build a better future for Augusta.”
— Karen Gordon, Director of Growing Augusta, on behalf of local BIPOC farmers
“I am honored to lead Paine College into this next chapter. Our Transformation Plan is rooted in partnership - with students, alumni, civic and community leaders, and yes, farmers, who know what it means to nurture growth and invest in the soil of our shared future.”
— Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn, President
Additional Information
The investiture events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For tickets, sponsorship, or further details, please visit Paine College’s website at www.paine.edu or contact the Institutional Advancement Office.
About Paine College
Founded in 1882, Paine College is a historically Black liberal arts college located in Augusta, Georgia. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Paine is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). The College’s mission emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, social justice, and community service.
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