Exciting Times Ahead for Paine College in Augusta
Augusta, Ga. is buzzing with anticipation as Paine College gears up for an invigorating new chapter. With boosted funding flowing in and a new college president set to arrive soon, there’s an air of optimism that’s palpable on this vibrant campus. Community leaders, students, and alumni are all coming together to share in the impending changes that promise to shape the future of education at Paine College.
A Community United
On campus, the atmosphere is festive, but instead of the classic reds and greens of the holiday season, you’ll find proud shades of purple. The excitement was perfectly captured by student leaders Demi McKeever and Garry Davis Jr., the Ms. and Mr. Paine College. They expressed, “It means everything to us. We’re definitely appreciative because it definitely takes the community to build and just continue to invest in the future leaders of this community.”
The strong sense of community isn’t just talk; it comes with tangible actions. Recently, a generous $20,000 check was presented to the college from Crash to Cash, focused on making Paine College an even more inviting school. This type of support shows that the community truly cares about its educational institutions.
Future Investments
Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, the president of Paine College, has set ambitious goals for the institution. “I want to make sure that Paine College is around for another 142 plus years,” she stated confidently. With a vision for the future, she might not know precisely what education will look like in 2166, but she is determined to ensure that Paine College remains a cornerstone of higher education.
Over the past year, enrollment has already seen an encouraging 4% increase, a trend that college leaders are eager to continue. Alumni Breyanna Johnson, Latashia Hooks, and Tiffney Wood conveyed their dedication, saying, “Paine College has done that for all three of us and more. So it’s always just a call away. If they say, ‘Hey, we need this’, we’re here and we make sure we’re there to provide for the students.”
Financial Boosts for Campus Improvements
The funding doesn’t stop at the generous check from Crash to Cash. Paine College is also set to benefit from a whopping $2.25 million in federal funding and an additional $150,000 from Home Depot. These funds are meant for campus repairs and will be utilized in various phases to enhance the college’s learning environment.
Kaniya Robertson, a junior at Paine College, shared her thoughts on the positive changes: “My learning environment has been shaped for the better only because we didn’t have those resources. So now that we have more resources, I’m able to put those resources to use.” This sentiment reflects a broader ambition to foster an educational space that feels like a home away from home for students.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the upcoming improvements and investments, the excitement doesn’t end there. The college is also anticipating the arrival of its new president. Dr. Evans Jones has mentioned that by November 1, we should have a name for the college’s next leader, adding another layer of anticipation to the campus vibe.
Overall, it’s an exciting time for Paine College, with vibrant community support, financial boosts, and educational progress guiding the institution toward a bright future. Stay tuned for more thrilling developments as this small but mighty campus continues to grow and thrive!
