History of Piedmont College - The End of The Century

The End of The Century

Because of Walter’s long term as president, the board of trustees was well-prepared for his successor. David Garen Simmons took over from Walter in 1983.

The last twenty years of the 20th century at Piedmont are marked as the “years of change.” The curriculum expanded to include new majors and minors, computers made appearances throughout the faculty and staff offices, and a program for non-traditional students was created.

Simmons retired to just teaching history in 1990 after Walter died in 1989 and John F. Elger took his place as president for the next five years. Most of Elger’s presidency is marked by the change in buildings and facilities across campus. New buildings were purchased; old buildings got remodeled and had extensions added. Plans were started to get a new pipe organ installed in the college chapel. Another major change under Elger was the creation of the Master of Art in Teaching program. John Elger retired from education and administration in 1995.

Piedmont’s current president, W. Ray Cleere became president in 1995, taking the reins from Elger. President Cleere has seen the college through many building expansions and curriculum expansions. Approximately six majors were added to the various programs at Piedmont during Cleere’s presidency.

One of the major feats of Cleere’s time at Piedmont was expanding the college into a second campus. Piedmont College leased property in Athens, Georgia to start their new campus. Later the college purchased property from Prince Avenue Baptist Church. In 2007 the Athens campus started its first students for the four-year degree.