Meridian Community College Director of Admissions Dr. Angela Payne was one of 37 members of the graduating class of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.

The Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy was developed in the spring of 2009 to address the projected need for upper-level leaders in the Mississippi community college system. The academy’s term is a year-long investment, meeting from June to May.

Payne, who has worked at MCC for 17 years, said the program was beneficial. “I learned more about the role of leadership in our community college system and how valuable the system is to our state. Our campus and system leaders have a great responsibility to the community colleges they serve; therefore, it is important for leaders to be developed to assume positions necessary to continue our strong presence to help make our state a viable place to live and grow.”

 She noted the program is challenging, requiring a lot of work ranging from reading leadership materials, conducting research, completing projects in teams and individually. “Each candidate has to be committed to the objectives of the program, as well as committed to their job,” she said.

Before coming to MCC, Payne worked as a project management consultant with Pitney Bowes Management Services helping companies in the Northeast convert paper office systems into digital office systems. She’s also gained management experience in the defense industry. Payne holds a doctorate from Jackson State University; a master of business administration degree from the University of Dallas and a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M, Commerce.

Payne and her husband Larry have been married 20 years and have a blended family of six children and eight grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and volunteering in the community.

The Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy graduation ceremony was held at Mississippi State University with Dr. Mark Keenum, MSU president, as the guest speaker.