Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Menu

President Cheryl Evans Jones Announces Retirement from Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­


Filed Under: Campus Updates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


For Immediate Release – June 4, 2024
Media Contact: Helene Carter
Hcarter@paine.edu â€“ (803) 664.0080
Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Augusta, GA – Paine.edu

President Cheryl Evans Jones Announces Retirement from Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Augusta Georgia, June 4, 2024 – 
After 31 years of dedicated service, 5 of which she served as President, President Cheryl Evans Jones has announced her retirement from Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, effective June 30, 2024.  President Jones has been a transformative leader, guiding Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ through a period of growth and innovation, and leaving an indelible mark on the institution.

Under President Jones’s leadership, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ has experienced significant achievements and milestones, including institutional accreditation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), approval to offer distance education by TRACS, approval for participation in Division I South of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), partnering with the Augusta National Golf Club which established two endowed scholarships in the name of Lee Elder and a women’s golf team for the first time in the College’s history, a grant in the amount of $1.4 million from Augusta-Richmond County Commission to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, and accreditation of the Department of Business Administration by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Most recently she catalyzed a first-of-its kind 10-year  with the Board of Trustees and the support of Augusta National Golf Club, EAB, Bank of America, and the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement has strengthened Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s position as a beacon of higher education in the CSRA.

Reflecting on her time at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, President Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president and highlighted the dedication and resilience of the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ community. “It has indeed been my pleasure and honor to serve at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ for the past 31 years, first as a faculty member, then in various administrative roles including Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and for the past five years, as President.  During my tenure at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, I encountered some of the best students and have worked with the most dedicated faculty and staff one could hope for.  I appreciate the support received from the alumni and the Board of Trustees.  I will always have love for Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ and pray for its continued success in producing leaders who serve.”

“The Board of Trustees extends its sincere appreciation to President Jones for her exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to advancing the mission and vision of Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­,” said Michael Thurmond, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees will begin the search for Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s next president immediately and will provide updates on the search process in the coming weeks.

In early April when President Jones made her retirement plans known, she committed to ensuring a smooth transition, staying on board until a replacement is found, and working closely with the Board of Trustees and the leadership team to facilitate a seamless succession.

As Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ prepares to embark on a new chapter, the entire community extends its heartfelt thanks and best wishes to President Cheryl Evans Jones as she transitions into retirement.

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ 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, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ 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 .

Latest News

Martin Martinez

Leading With Purpose: This Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Student is Making an Impact

Martin Martinez maintains one of the highest GPAs at UNCF-member institution Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­. With support from the Doris & John Carpenter Scholarship, administered through UNCF, he has been able to stay focused on earning his degree and giving back to his campus community. Martinez has dedicated himself to serving others and mentoring fellow students. “The scholarship has…

Paine Athletics

Roar Report: 8/24/26

New Leadership. New Competition. One Lion Pride. A Message from Andrea M. Riley, M.Ed.Athletic Director, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Dear Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Family, Alumni, Friends, and Supporters, There is an exciting energy building across Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Athletics, and our Lions are ready to compete! As we move into the 2026–2027 athletic year, I am excited about the opportunities…

SIM 8/24/26

SIM: Week Of 8/24/2026

STUDENT SUCCESS IN MOTION Leadership. Engagement. Opportunity. The Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Experience. Dear Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Family, As we continue building momentum for the 2026–2027 academic year, I am excited about the energy, leadership, and sense of purpose taking shape across our campus. Student Success is about more than what happens inside the classroom. It is about…

Next Steps