News Summary
Clinton College welcomed Dr. Pamela Richardson Wilks as its new president, along with plans to elevate the institution to university status. With a focus on launching new graduate programs, including the MBA, Dr. Wilks aims to reshape the future of the college and enhance educational offerings while maintaining its commitment to student success within a faith-driven environment.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Dr. Pamela Richardson Wilks was officially welcomed as the new president of Clinton College on June 2, 2025. This pivotal moment in the college’s history is marked by her ambitious plans to transition the institution from a college to a university. Her first day was highlighted by the announcement of a new master of business administration (MBA) program, the school’s inaugural post-graduate program. The MBA program is anticipated to receive accreditation by the summer of 2025, further solidifying the college’s commitment to expanding its academic offerings.
Upon her arrival, Dr. Wilks was greeted with a symbolic potted plant adorned with bear paw prints, representing the school’s mascot, the Golden Bears. Her enthusiasm for Clinton College’s future reflects not only her personal aspirations but also the college’s ongoing evolution. The college, which ended the 2025 academic year with 204 students—approximately a quarter of whom were enrolled remotely—continues to adapt to the changing educational landscape by seeking to add more graduate programs.
Since transitioning from Clinton Junior College to Clinton College over the last decade, the institution has made significant strides by introducing bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as nursing, cybersecurity, elementary education, and interdisciplinary studies. Dr. Wilks aims to not only continue this trajectory but also to establish a greater emphasis on research within the college’s curriculum. Although the efforts to launch the MBA program predate her appointment, they align with her broader vision for increasing graduate offerings.
Dr. Wilks is stepping into her role following the resignation of Lester McCorn, the college’s former president, who left to take the helm at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. With extensive experience in higher education, particularly in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Paine College, Wilberforce University, Edward Waters University, and Coppin State University, Dr. Wilks brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her new position. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T State University and holds a Ph.D. in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her personal journey and dedication to HBCUs underscore her commitment to creating a significant impact on the communities they serve.
The Board of Trustees at Clinton College established a search committee that ultimately led to Dr. Wilks’s selection, reflecting the Board’s enthusiasm for her vision and plans for the future of the college. The institution’s mission is centered on expanding access to education while enhancing student success within a faith-driven environment. Under Dr. Wilks’s leadership, the college aspires to transform its image and educational offerings, paving the way for a future as Clinton University.
As Clinton College embarks on this exciting chapter under Dr. Wilks’s stewardship, the institution is poised to not only help shape the educational landscape of Rock Hill but also elevate the aspirations of its students, reaffirming its commitment to providing a quality education and fostering an inclusive academic community.
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Additional Resources
- The Post and Courier: Clinton College Welcomes New President
- Wikipedia: Clinton College
- Diverse Education: Clinton College Appoints New President
- Google Search: Clinton College News
- WBTV: Clinton College Experiences Growth
- Google Scholar: Clinton College HBCU
- Herald Online: Clinton College Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Greenville Online: Clinton College – A Best Kept Secret
- Google News: Clinton College 2023
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
