Academics
Paine College, a Christian institution, offers its students a liberal arts education focused on ecumenism, multiculturalism, and critical learning. The college emphasizes academic excellence, ethical and spiritual values, social responsibility, and personal development. Paine students (“Lions”) can pursue BA and BS degrees in such areas as Biology and History, as well as the popular Social Science and Psychology majors. Paine is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). In accordance with its goal of providing a quality education to all, Paine allows students the option of taking some or all of their classes online, thereby providing educational opportunities to those unable to participate in the traditional brick-and-mortar college experience. In addition, the Mark Gipson Tutorial and Enrichment Center provides myriad support and services for students (both online and traditional) who request assistance meeting academic or other college-related objectives. In keeping with its mission of service and social responsibility, Paine’s TRiO Upward Bound program offers eligible high school students a broadbased summer college immersion program free of charge.
Career
Paine’s ethos is grounded in Methodist teachings, and its community is essentially faith-based. The Wesley Fellowship student group gathers for mid-week worship and Bible study, orchestrates charity events in Christian service to the local community, and organizes parties and excursions so students can socialize and have fun. During Sunday services the voices of the choir emanate alongside the historic pipe organ of the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel, an impressive cruciform structure designed to seat up to twelvehundred people. Apart from religious activities, Paine students have a wide variety of secular clubs and organizations from which to choose, ranging from NAACP meetings to the Mahogany Essence dance team to a modeling troupe known as Crème de la Crème. Greek life thrives at Paine, although alcohol is entirely prohibited. The myriad cultural, historical, and natural attractions of the Augusta area provide Paine students with a rich off-campus experience as well. Downtown Augusta, with its Victorianera architecture, Augusta Museum of History, and famous Riverwalk, is easily accessible. The nearby Augusta Mall, one of the largest in Georgia, is a Lion favorite and a popular place to get together for a meal or impromptu shopping in between classes.
Culture
The Paine mission involves not only preparing students to compete in the workforce, but also dedicating their lives to meaningful work. According to Payscale.com, on average Paine graduates earn a base annual salary of $49,000. Paine’s first graduate, John Wesley Gilbert, was a prominent scholar and missionary widely considered to be the first Black archaeologist. Other notable alumni include novelist Frank Yerby and Woodie W. White, a bishop of the United Methodist Church.