Paine College notable alums

Education

HBCU of the Week on AJC Sepia: Paine College Notable Alums

Founded in 1882 in Augusta, Paine College has educated thousands of people. Here are some of their notable graduates.

Founded in 1882, the Paine College has produced thousands of graduates. Here are some of their notables.

Born to slaves in 1864, Gilbert was the first African-American archaeologist, the first graduate of Paine College, the first African-American professor of that school, and the first African-American to receive a master's degree from Brown University.

Thurmond graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in philosophy and religion from Paine College and later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He also completed the Political Executives program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In 1998, he was elected Georgia Labor Commissioner, becoming the first non-incumbent African American to be elected to statewide office in Georgia. He is currently the superintendent of the DeKalb County School District

What she’s doing now: Lucette is currently Paine’s head volleyball coach, and assistant women’s basketball coach. She is also part of the adjunct faculty, as well as senior women’s administrator. She has made historical milestones as the first and only jersey to be retired at Paine in volleyball and basketball. She is the recipient of the UNCF Young Alumni Award and inducted into the Paine College Athletic Hall of Fame. How has Paine prepared her for success? “Definitely playing for the Lady Lions helped me to learn time management as well as social skills. I learned how to deal and get along with different people, and being able to come in being a student and now working at Paine it’s a blessing.” What’s next for her: “Really I’m just going with the flow. I enjoy what I do very much, and would love to stay in the line of coaching.”

Born in College Park, Pastor Troy is an American rapper who has released 16 albums

What she’s doing now: •Gardner currently works at Paine College as the Office Assistant in the Admissions office. How has Paine prepared her for success? • “Being a Paine College graduate, it impressed me that they make an investment in you. They don’t just throw stuff at you, and leave you out on your own. I was very well equipped for the real world, and they were more than willing to take me on as an employee while I was still in school, and I am still here to this day.” What’s next for her: • Medical school.

What he’s doing now: • Warren is an associate attorney at Kaufman, Borgeest & Ryan in New Jersey. Licensed to practice law in New York and New Jersey, he specializes in many areas including Medical Malpractice and Liability Bankruptcy. How has Paine prepared him for success? • “Paine College’s motto when I was a student was “You can get there from here.” Without Paine I would not be where I’m at today. I became a Presidential scholar. The professors at Paine saw something special in me that I may not have seen in myself. Paine College gave me an opportunity that I am happy I took advantage of.”

What she’s doing now: •Sturgis is currently a second year resident at Georgia Regents University, majoring in emergency medicine. She received a doctorate in physiology in 2007, and received her MD in May 2014. How has Paine prepared her for success? • “I don’t think I would be here without Paine… they gave me a very strong foundation, as well as the ambition to go into academics in the future I was SGA president and developed a desire for a career in academics by interacting with the board and faculty.” What’s next for her: •Sturgis wants to continue her work in academic medicine, using a combination of clinical research and practicing emergency medicine.

Lomax was a prominent African-American journalist working for the Afro-American and the Chicago Defender. He was also one of the first African-American television journalists.

What she’s doing now: Young is currently a consultant for EMC, a leader in the information technology and storage/data management. As a consultant, Young provides technical and consultative leadership for technical solution opportunities on a range of complex engagements. How has Paine prepared her for success? “As someone who never thought they would even go to college, Paine College showed me that I could be more than I had ever dreamed of being. Not only did Paine instill values of faith, history and culture, but they taught me how to be self confident, and take what you have and use your strengths to your advantage. I have taken all of those lessons to heart and applied them to my life. There are certain aspects of the Paine College Ideal that stand and resonate with me today: To Love Truth and seek it above material things; To Keep the energies of life at full tide; To work Well and Play with Zest; To have an open, unprejudiced mind; and To find joy in work well done. This truly is the Spirit and Ideal of Paine College, and I still to this day share this spirt and will always have that eagerness in the pursuit of higher things. My sweet sweet alma marta, has truly changed my life. PC ONE TIME!” What’s next for her? “Continue to have a healthy balance of life, work and play – all while running a successful photography business and still working in corporate America.”

What’s he doing now: Principal of Burke County Academy of Success in Waynesboro, GA, he’s taken on the challenge of leading children who are academically behind into great success. He will soon be transitioning into a new role as principal at Blakeney Elementary School. How has Paine prepared him for success? “I wouldn’t be where I am without Paine. They prepared me to step in from day one, and be extremely effective and excel tremendously. Paine taught me to be both practical and a practitioner. In my first principalship I won four state awards and one national award." What’s next for him: • Mr. Ishmal’s goal is to become superintendent, to serve an entire district vs. one school. For now, he plans to take his school to the top in the state.

An an African-American historical novelist. He is best known as the first African-American writer to become a millionaire from his pen, and to have a book purchased by a Hollywood studio for a film adaptation.

Gipson was a geologist who became the first African-American to obtain a Ph.D. in Geology. His career spanned decades in the petroleum industry as well as decades in academia.

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Founded in 1882, the Paine College has produced thousands of graduates. Here are some of their notables.

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