Lucius Holsey Pitts, A. B., M.A., D.D.

Lucius Holsey Pitts, A. B., M.A., D.D., 1971-1974 

Lucius Pitts, a 1941 graduate of Paine College, returned to his alma mater in 1971 as the first Black president in its 90-year history, following the historic burning of the administration building.

During his tenure, Dr. Pitts led a program of campus growth that included an addition to the gymnasium, the construction of several classrooms, plans for library expansion, and additional office space. He also sought to provide financial support for new academic programs, including special education, early childhood education, and business administration.

His greatest aspiration was to rebuild the Haygood Holsey Administration Building through the Build-It-Back Program. He died in his office in 1974.