By Brianna Brinker, Campus News Editor
From 2013 to 2026, Kim Payne, professor of communication and marketing, committed ten years of dedication into teaching, over three years serving the department of University Communications, and made an everlasting impact on all his students.
Payne arrived at Saint Leo University every day with his uplifting mood, passionate soul, and his genuine love for the Saint Leo students, colleagues, and community.
As this semester was winding down, Payne decided that it was time for his retirement journey to start. He looks forward to spending more time with his two grandchildren: Nolah, ten years old, and Hobe, who is seven years old. He also plans to ride his electric bike and play golf with his wife of 47 years, Susan.
Payne taught many classes at Saint Leo. His personal favorites were “Personal Selling,”“Nonprofit & Social Marketing,” and “Public Relations” due to the occupations he had in each of these during his professional career.
“Being a lifelong learner, it seemed like a logical choice to pursue teaching which I did passionately,” said Payne.
Payne is a proud Saint Leo alumnus! He graduated in 2015.
On his first day as a professor, Payne said he felt “right at home” and was definitely in his element.
During his time at Saint Leo, he gained so many accomplishments, but the achievement he is most proud of is mentoring his students in and out of the classroom.
“Seeing my students succeed in the classroom, on the athletic field, in their careers, and in life,”Payne said was his most rewarding part of being a professor.
Payne was a professor who cared for his students and would help them in any way he could.
Payne always welcomed students into his office with open arms and encouraged students to ask questions about assignments as well as participate in class.
He loves to help students succeed, he writes recommendation letters, answers emails quickly, supports student athletes by attending their games, supports student organizations by donating, and gives his best advice to every one of them.
Payne was named “Staff Member of the Year” at the Saint Leo Athletics Green and Gold Awards in 2025. He was honored and said this was one of his favorite memories during his time at Saint Leo.
Saint Leo taught Payne three important lessons: patience, persistence, and prioritization. He took these tools and applied them to his job as a professor.
One piece of advice Payne would give to his students is, “Don’t be afraid to try different things: experiences, good or bad, are all valuable learning lessons.”
Payne will be missed on campus as a professor. He plans to continue teaching as an adjunct in the future and still cheer on the Lions! Thank you, Professor Payne.
