Torch passed to president

George Bradley was officially inaugurated as Paine College's 14th president Friday, pledging his commitment to education and a higher purpose.

"At Paine College, we will not simply confer degrees. We will engage and agitate until the problems of racism, classism, sexism are things of the past," Dr. Bradley told faculty, students, alumni, elected officials and community members. "We will not rest until we all love truth and seek it above all material things. For you see, that is the Paine College ideal."

In January, the president took office, but Friday's inauguration ceremoniously passed authority of the college from Shirley A.R. Lewis, his predecessor, to Dr. Bradley.

Dr. Lewis and former presidents Dr. Julius Scott Jr. and Dr. William Harris bestowed upon the new president the Paine College mace, a ceremonial staff and a medallion, which has a link for each of the college's 14 presidents. The medallion embodies the tradition of Paine College and shows the succession of presidents.

"The vow that I took to continue the work of the colleagues that came before me to lead Paine College to its next level of greatness is one I take with pride, honor and sincerity," Dr. Bradley said.

Those who spoke at Friday's event said the president has already done much to pave the way for improving the college.

"Dr. Bradley has shown Paine College so much in a short period of time," Student Government President Daviea Flowers said. "Most of all, his student-friendly attitude shows he is a leader who cares."

In his months in office, Dr. Bradley has laid out a plan for making Paine College a premier institution, said Curtis Martin, the provost and vice president of academic affairs.

"We are proud and we are happy that in the short time we have known you, you have led the efforts for developing a strategic plan that charts the course for achieving the vision of becoming one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the region," Dr. Martin said. "We have bought into that vision and your ability to get that buy in is an indication of your leadership."

Among those who attended were the presidents of Medical College of Georgia and Augusta State University, Congressman John Barrow, members of the local legislative delegation and Georgia Commissioner of Labor Michael Thurmond, a Paine graduate.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.