An administrator known for leading the charge in the development of new academic programs and initiatives has joined Fresno Pacific University.
Andre Payne, Ph.D., began his appointment as associate provost for academic strategy and excellence July 1, 2025. Reporting to the provost/senior vice president of academic affairs, this position is responsible for designing, developing and launching new graduate and undergraduate academic programs as well as working with faculty to strengthen existing curriculum. The role emphasizes aligning programs with student needs, the university’s mission and market demand in the Central Valley to ensure institutional growth and sustainability.
“We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Payne to Fresno Pacific University and look forward to the ways he will employ imagination, collaboration, data analytics and a commitment to FPU’s mission in shaping our evolving academic portfolio,” said Alison R. Noble, Ph.D., provost/senior vice president of academic affairs.
Payne comes to FPU from Malone University, where he spent about two years as dean and associate professor in the Division of Business and Technologies, the university’s largest division. Reporting to the provost, his duties included preparing annual course schedules and teaching loads, overseeing the division budget and working with the admission and student success areas to execute innovative recruitment, retention and job placement strategies for students in credit, non-credit and continuing education programs. He also launched Competency Based Education, Learn and Earn, Hybrid Trade and Tech Credential programs for student internships and community workforce development.
Other positions have included assistant professor of business and vice faculty chair at Indiana Wesleyan University and director of annual fundraising and marketing at Taylor University. Payne also has an entrepreneurial bent as owner of Payne Realty Services, offering affordable housing by renovating and reselling distressed properties, and A&E Consulting, which provides services in marketing, higher education and special education.
Payne earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and a B.A. in Business Marketing from Taylor University. Payne considers his greatest joy to be his family, which includes his wife, Eleese, two daughters, son and their dog. In their spare time they enjoy exercising, traveling/vacationing, reading, watching movies, spending time with extended family, engaging in community service and committing their lives to serving God’s Kingdom.
More about Payne at linkedin.com/in/andrepaynephd/