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.
Paine College
Paine College is a historically Black liberal arts institution located in Augusta, Georgia. Founded in 1882 through a partnership between the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Paine College is dedicated to providing a liberal arts education of the highest quality- emphasizing academic excellence, ethical and spiritual values, social responsibility, and personal development. For more information, visit Paine online.