Paine College Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, has been named Acting President of Paine College effective July 1, 2019. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Jones to succeed Dr. Jerry L. Hardee who retired citing recent bouts with health issues. Dr. Hardee will remain available to render support throughout the transition.

"We are confident that Dr. Jones will provide strong and effective leadership for Paine College, said Trustee Chair Barbara E. Bouknight. "Dr. Jones' ties to Paine faculty and to the community, coupled with her academic experience and ability to connect with students make her the ideal person to lead the College at this time. She has been an integral part of the campus family for 26 years and during that time her peers, students and faculty recognized her for dedication and educational talent and leadership. We look forward to working with Dr. Jones who will further the College's mission, growth and progress."

Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, Dr. Hardee said he could not be more pleased with the Board's decision in selecting Dr. Jones as his successor. "Dr. Jones' personal commitment, contributions and devotion to Paine College makes her the right fit to lead the Institution that Wyonnie and I have grown to love."

Dr. Jones joined the faculty in 1993 and quickly advanced from Assistant Professor of Psychology to Associate Professor and later earned tenure. For more than two decades, Dr. Jones has played a vital role in the College's accreditation efforts. She has served as the Accreditation Liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), as well as Director of the Institutional Self-Study for Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). She was appointed Paine College Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs more than four years ago, in March 2015 after filling that role in an acting capacity since September of the previous year. Dr. Jones has spent her career shaping students' minds and preparing them for success in the marketplace and in life. At the same time, she has been a vital part of the Paine College faculty and family, helping to shape and prepare Paine to continue its mission of educating tomorrow's leaders. For more information about Paine College, visit www.paine.edu or contact Helene T. Carter, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 706.821.8323 and via email: Hcarter@paine.edu.