A year ago, Paine College, the historically Black educational institution in Augusta, Georgia, named Samuel Sullivan president of the college but only for a one-year term expiring June 30, 2017, while a national search was undertaken for a new president. Dr. Sullivan had been serving as interim president since October 2014.
Now, Paine College has announced that Jerry L. Hardee will be the college’s next president. Dr. Hardee is the former assistant to the president for equal opportunity programs and multicultural affairs at Valdosta State University in Georgia. He is a graduate of what is now Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Hardee holds a master’s degree in science education from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and a doctorate in educational administration statistics and research from Northern Illinois University.
Attorney Michael Thurmond, chair of the presidential search committee at Paine College, said, “Dr. Hardee has an excellent track record of accomplishments and is looked upon as a veteran in higher education who comes with a wealth of experience in executive leadership, management, fundraising and development, and enrollment. Dr. Hardee ‘fits’ the Institution and has the necessary administrative and academic leadership skills to lead Paine College.”
Dr. Hardee will have a full plate when he takes office in July. In June 2016, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools voted to strip Paine College of its accreditation. The college has maintained its accreditation while it appeals the decision through the courts.
