Clinton College president resigns, as Rock Hill HBCU aims for ‘seamless transition’
Clinton College President Lester McCorn is leaving that role after seven years in charge of the Rock Hill region’s only historically Black college, the college announced Tuesday.
Augusta, Georgia-based Paine College announced McCorn will take over as president of that school starting Jan. 1. Paine is a private, historically Black Methodist school.
It was not immediately clear when McCorn’s resignation would take effect.
Archinya Ingram has been named interim president at Clinton College, transitioning from senior vice president of business services and chief financial officer roles there. Ingram has been with the school for two decades.
The search for a new president is expected to take four to six months, according to the school.
Bishop Eric Leake, board chairman for the school, offered appreciation for McCorn’s leadership that made significant changes at the school. Clinton has grown its facilities, sports and extracurricular opportunities during McCorn’s tenure. Clinton also added a new advanced digital library and five new bachelor’s degree programs.
“His commitment to academic innovation and student success has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s trajectory,” Leake said in announcing McCorn’s departure.
About Clinton College
The college was founded in 1894 and named after Bishop Isom Caleb Clinton, the great-great-grandfather of funk icon George Clinton.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician accepted an honorary doctorate degree from Clinton in May. “Your music became the summons to the dance floor for every event that allowed Black folk to be free to express themselves,” McCorn told Clinton at the time.
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Clinton College has about 150 students. It offers degrees in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, elementary education, religious studies and business management.
“My priority is to ensure our students, faculty and staff experience a seamless transition as we move forward together,” Ingram said.
Virtual and in-person stakeholder forums will be scheduled throughout the presidential search process. McCorn came to Clinton College as its 13th president.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 2:39 PM.
