President's Message to Lion Nation

November 19, 2020

President's Message to Lion Nation
Dear Lion Nation!
Congratulations! You have made it to the end of this unusual Fall 2020 semester. Last year this time, we did not know that we would be facing the challenges with the pandemic that we have been experiencing since March. You are to be commended for staying the course to the end of the semester. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigated through unchartered waters.

While it was necessary to have remote delivery of instruction because of the pandemic, the College remained open for staff and business continued. Gratefully, the College experienced several successes during the fall. Allow me to share two of them with you:

- Paine College received accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Thank you to all who contributed and worked in any way to make that possible. It was only through collective efforts, sacrifice, and prayers that we were able to gain the accreditation which is essential to our operation.

- A partnership was announced between the Augusta National Golf Club and Paine College. It will provide two endowed scholarships named for Lee Elder, the first Black to compete in the Masters Golf Tournament and will also fund the creation of a women's golf program at the College.

A lot of good things happened this semester!
As we look ahead, today is the study day in preparation for fall final examinations. Students, I hope you are using your time wisely. Final examinations will be held November 19 – 24, 2020. Study well and do your very best!

Commencement for 2020 will be observed on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. A link for the pre-recorded program will be sent later. Be sure to watch to support those students who met this milestone.

The break for students and faculty will begin at the end of the fall final examination period. Classes for Spring 2021 semester will begin on January 11, 2021. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia and most of the United States, the decision has been made to again have remote delivery of instruction for the spring semester. It is not what we want to do, but what we believe to be the safe thing to do.

Register for Spring 2021 Semester!
Students, before you leave, be sure to register for your classes for the spring semester. Registration is open via PaineNet or virtual registration. Be sure to clear the Business Office too!

Continue to do everything that you can to be safe. Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by:
- Wearing a facial mask.
- Maintaining social distance (6 feet).
- Washing your hands frequently.

Best wishes to you for a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones
President