Rock Hill Initiates Search for New President as Clinton College’s Lester McCorn Departs

Rock Hill Seeks New Leadership as Clinton College President Departs

Rock Hill, SC — The search is underway for a new president at Clinton College following the announcement that Lester McCorn, who has served in the role for seven years, will be leaving to take the position of president at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. McCorn’s transition marks a significant change for the school, which is one of South Carolina’s eight historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

McCorn’s Legacy at Clinton College

During his tenure, McCorn implemented several key initiatives that have left a lasting impact on the institution. He introduced five new bachelor’s degree programs, including nursing, cybersecurity, elementary education, interdisciplinary studies, and a Bachelor of Public Health which is currently pending approval. His leadership also facilitated the shift to fully digital textbooks, enhancing the educational resources available to students.

According to Bishop Eric L. Leake, chairman of the Clinton board of trustees, “His commitment to academic innovation and student success has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s trajectory.” Under McCorn’s leadership, Clinton College’s spring graduation numbers saw the graduation of 18 students, alongside a record enrollment of 120 freshmen for the fall semester, marking the largest incoming class in the college’s history. This contributed to a notable overall increase of 27 percent in the student body.

New Interim Leadership

In light of McCorn’s departure, the Clinton College board has appointed Archinya Ingram, the school’s long-serving vice president of business services and CFO, as the interim president. Ingram has been with the college for 20 years and is expected to provide steady leadership during this transition period. The board is also in the process of launching an executive search to find a permanent replacement for McCorn, with plans to complete the process within approximately six months.

Future Directions for Clinton College

The focus of the search will be to identify an individual who can build upon McCorn’s work and continue the college’s trajectory toward academic excellence and student engagement. The board aims to have a new president in place by the fall of 2025.

Community Response

The Rock Hill community, along with students and faculty at Clinton College, has expressed a mix of emotions regarding McCorn’s departure. Many are grateful for his contributions and vision for the college, while also feeling hopeful for the future leadership. The sentiments echoed by students emphasize a desire to maintain the momentum that has recently been built.

Looking Ahead

As Clinton College embarks on this new chapter, the board of trustees is committed to strengthening partnerships and exploring additional opportunities for growth. The community eagerly awaits who will take the reins to lead the college into its next era, building on the foundation laid by McCorn.

In summary, Rock Hill is witnessing a pivotal moment as Clinton College transitions to new leadership. The search for the next president is underway, and the college community remains optimistic about the future while reflecting on the important developments during Lester McCorn’s tenure.