DR. WALT GRIFFIN Limestone College President Dr. Walt Griffin is in serious condition in a Spartanburg hospital after he suffered a heart attack Friday morning.

Griffin was taken to Upstate Carolina Medical Center by a family member when he became ill at his College Drive residence. He had reportedly been experiencing discomfort in his side over the past two weeks.

Griffin was airlifted from the Gaffney hospital to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. He is recovering from heart surgery at the Spartanburg Heart Center.

"He is doing better," Limestone College communications director Josh Crotzer said Sunday afternoon. "He is progressing well."

Griffin was upgraded to serious condition Sunday, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center public relations director Chad Lawson said.

Griffin has been Limestone College president since 1992. During his tenure, Limestone College's enrollment has nearly tripled from 274 students in 1992 to 750 students this year. The college has completely renovated 10 buildings and had a balanced budget for 15 consecutive years.

Limestone College will begin classes Wednesday for the spring semester.

While Griffin recovers, Limestone College executive vice president Karen Gainey will serve as the acting college president.

Before arriving at Limestone, Griffin was director of the Cincinnati Center for the College of Undergraduate Studies of the Union Institute. He previously served as the history department chairman and an American history professor at Upper Iowa University for 23 years.

Griffin has been a city councilman, a candidate for statewide political office, and manager of a U.S. Congressional campaign. He and his wife, Penni, have four children and eight grandchildren.