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
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
