Kirkwood Community College
Melissa Payne is the vice president of student services at Kirkwood Community College. She started at Kirkwood in 2015, when she was hired as the dean of students. Melissa’s career includes more than 20 years in higher education at both two- and four-year institutions, including advising, teaching, student conduct, gender-based violence prevention and response, orientation and case management.
Melissa’s passion for giving students agency and voice in their educational experiences has driven her to research, present and publish scholarly work, start and lead new programs focused on improving academic success and holistic well-being, and develop creative campus and community partnerships to meet student needs. Melissa is a passionate advocate for public education and its role in transforming individual lives, families, communities and generations.
Melissa is a proud wife and mother of three children, and a friend and mentor to many others. She hopes that her model of service through church, nonprofit organizations and boards inspires them to serve God, family and community.