Paine College yesterday announced retired college administrator Jerry Hardee as its next president. The college’s board unanimously selected Dr. Hardee, a former president of Sherman Chiropractic College in Spartanburg, SC.
Dr. Hardee was chosen over Southern Univerisity Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Brandon Dumas, who days prior to the final interview at Paine drew scrutiny over alleged reviews and investigations over his leadership on campus, and with an external non-profit organization in Baton Rouge.
While Paine officials did not list Dr. Hardee’s previous leadership roles at Sherman or Marietta-based chiropractic school Life University, in official announcements concerning the search and selection, Paine search committee chair Michael Thurmond praised Dr. Hardee’s experience as an asset for the embattled institution.
“Dr. Hardee has an excellent track record of accomplishments and is looked upon as a veteran in higher education who comes with a wealth of experience in executive leadership, management, fundraising and development, and enrollment. Dr. Hardee “fits” the Institution and has the necessary administrative and academic leadership skills to lead Paine College.”
Paine made headlines last fall after having its accreditation revoked by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities’ Commission on Colleges, citing unsustainable financial and governance infrastructure. Its status was reinstated by a federal judge’s injunction against the accrediting agency.
