“When education begins, we get the opportunity to discover our own true potential for success.
When education begins, we have the ability to shape our future.
When education begins, we move from where the world happens to us to a place where we can actively change things around us.
When education begins, we gain the tools to unpack the complexities of life that surround us.” – Dr. Richard Pitts
For Dr. Richard Pitts, education was more than a pathway to a career, it was the turning point that changed the course of his life.
Raised during his high school years by his grandmother in modest circumstances, Pitts had potential as a student but lacked direction. He began working at age 10 and credits mentors with helping him recognize his potential. Encouraged by their example, he enrolled at Quincy College, an experience he describes as his “academic launching pad.”
That decision opened doors he never imagined. Pitts earned a full scholarship to Chapman University, completed his bachelor’s degree and went on to medical school in Iowa. Over the course of his career, he has treated an estimated 140,000 patients in emergency, preventive and occupational medicine before transitioning into healthcare leadership.
Today, Dr. Pitts serves as Chief Medical Officer at CalOptima Health in Orange, California where he continues to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
Despite his remarkable success, Pitts has never forgotten where his journey began. “Quincy College served as my academic launching pad and the sky is the limit!”
His support of the Quincy College Foundation reflects his gratitude for the opportunities the College provided and his belief that today’s students deserve the same chance to discover their potential. Through scholarships and programs, the Foundation helps remove financial barriers so students can pursue their education, build meaningful careers and transform their lives.
For Pitts, giving back is an investment in future generations because he knows firsthand that when education begins, lives change.