An administrator at Tyler Junior College (TJC), Payne, has been recognized among the region's 40 Under Forty list, an annual acknowledgment of young professionals making a positive community impact. Public online voting selected individuals for this recognition. Payne dedicates her free time to a variety of community events across Tyler and serves on the board of Keep Tyler Beautiful, in addition to her role as vice president for the Friends of the Tyler Public Library.
Payne said this recognition means a great deal to her, noting, “I don’t volunteer for acknowledgement; it’s simply something I love doing.” She explained that while she might not always have the financial means to make a significant difference, she consistently invests her time to improve the world, one small act at a time. To know that her efforts have been noticed in this way, she added, was incredibly humbling and a very exciting and meaningful surprise.
The 40 Under Forty list is compiled annually by ETX View, a bi-monthly lifestyle magazine focused on East Texas arts, culture, events, food, and travel. This marks the fifth consecutive year that ETX View has presented this recognition to successful young professionals in the region who have demonstrated a positive impact on the local community before reaching 40 years of age.
Tyler Junior College, where Payne serves, is a comprehensive public community college established in 1926. Located in East Texas, the institution provides a wide array of educational opportunities, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training programs. TJC offers more than 135 programs of study, covering fields such as arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, catering to both traditional students and adult learners. The college aims to deliver an outstanding educational experience designed to prepare students for success in their chosen careers and communities.
Serving nearly 20,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit offerings, TJC enrolls over 16,000 in credit programs and almost 4,000 in continuing studies. Its central campus spans 145 acres, complemented by multiple other sites. The college is characterized by rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, strong fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and numerous organizations and clubs that foster student engagement and diversity.
