SPIRE Summer 2019

alumni

“Volunteer of the Year” Payne Receives 2018 Alumni

Award

C athy Payne was the award recipient of the 2018 “Volunteer of the Year” alumni award. Payne graduated from Bluefield College in 1992 with a bachelor of science degree in management and human resources. She was in the very first class of the adult program at Bluefield College. “It was a great way to finish out your degree because we only took classes one night a week,” recalled Payne. Payne, ever so humble, said, “I was very honored that they selected me. I felt like there were others more deserving.” A longtime employee of the College, her first job at Bluefield College was in the Financial Aid Office as a financial aid counselor for the adult program. Since she was a graduate of the adult program, she was very knowledgeable about it. Then Payne went on to become Director of Admissions for the online program at Bluefield College for several years. After “retiring” from that position in 2014, she was asked to serve as a Student Success Coach. In that role, Payne provides support, gives advice, and provides guidance to online students at the College.

She even provides financial help to those in need through her family’s charitable foundation. Altogether she has served in positions on the campus for 20 years and recently received the Bluefield College Service Award for her dedication and commitment. Payne not only supports her alma mater but also supports other schools in the surrounding area including Southwest Community College and Bluefield State College. Payne is a board member of the Graham High School Foundation, a trustee for the Sanders House Center, serves with Rotary International, supports the town of Bluefield, Virginia, and is a member of First United Methodist Church in Bluefield, Virginia. Payne grew up in Kimball, West Virginia, but now resides in Bluefield, Virginia. In addition, to receiving her degree from Bluefield College, she is also a proud graduate of Welch High School in McDowell County, West Virginia. Story submitted by BC student marketing associate Kaleigh Compton

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