Paine College is a historically black liberal arts institution located in Augusta, Georgia. Founded in 1882 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, it has a rich history of providing education and opportunities for African American students. Paine College’s mission is to prepare students for leadership roles in various fields while emphasizing social justice, intellectual growth, and community engagement.
The college offers a range of undergraduate degree programs in disciplines such as the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. Paine College is known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making. Small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions contribute to a personalized learning experience.
Paine College has a deep connection to the civil rights movement. It played a pivotal role in advocating for racial equality and social justice, with its students and faculty actively participating in civil rights activities in the 1960s. This legacy of activism and advocacy for social change remains an integral part of the college’s identity.
The campus features historic buildings, including Haygood-Holsey Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Paine College continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for its students, contributing to the educational and cultural fabric of Augusta and beyond.

Paine College in 1910
It’s a good idea to look at these 22 interesting facts about Paine College to know more about it.
- Paine College was founded in 1882 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
- It is named after Bishop Robert Paine, a prominent Methodist bishop of the era.
- Paine College is a historically black liberal arts institution located in Augusta, Georgia.
- The college is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), which took over its sponsorship in 1884.
- Paine College is one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
- The college’s motto is “To encourage excellence, to foster integrity, and to develop leadership in a global context.”
- Paine College’s campus spans approximately 57 acres in the heart of Augusta.
- The college offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and education.
- Paine College has a commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
- The college is known for its strong emphasis on social justice, civic engagement, and community service.
- Historic Haygood-Holsey Hall is one of the iconic buildings on campus and serves as the college’s administrative center.
- The college’s library, the Candler Memorial Library, provides resources and support for research and learning.
- Paine College has a vibrant campus life with various student organizations and clubs.
- The college has a strong tradition of producing leaders in various fields, including civil rights, politics, and education.
- Paine College has a historic connection to the civil rights movement, with its students and faculty actively participating in protests and advocacy.
- The college’s choir, the Paine College Concert Choir, has a rich tradition of musical excellence.
- Paine College has hosted notable figures and events in African American history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- The institution continues to play a vital role in the education and empowerment of its predominantly African American student body.
- Paine College has been recognized for its contributions to higher education and the African American community.
- The college’s alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in various professions and fields.
- Paine College is part of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which supports HBCUs and minority students’ access to higher education.
- Paine College’s legacy of educational excellence, commitment to social justice, and contributions to the African American community continue to make it a revered institution in the world of higher education.
Paine College stands as a resilient and historically significant institution, deeply rooted in the African American experience and the pursuit of educational excellence. Since its founding in 1882, it has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students, offering not only a comprehensive liberal arts education but also a strong commitment to social justice, civil rights, and community engagement. Paine College’s enduring legacy in the heart of Augusta, Georgia, continues to inspire and empower students to become leaders, advocates for change, and contributors to a more equitable society. As an important member of the HBCU community, Paine College serves as a testament to the enduring power of education in the face of adversity and a symbol of progress and resilience for future generations.