Tribute to Dean Emeritus Isabelle Payne

The College of Nursing pays tribute to Isabelle Payne, EdD, RN, who transitioned from this life peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2009, after a short illness. Dr. Payne was a leader, mentor, devotee and friend of the College of Nursing at Michigan State University for nearly five decades. As a passionate advocate of the College, her dedication made a lasting impression that has paved the way for faculty, staff, students and alumni to follow in her footsteps as leaders in the pursuit of excellence in nursing education.

After graduating from Michigan State University with both a master's and doctoral degrees in education, Dr. Payne began her career in the then School of Nursing as an Associate Professor in 1961. Four years later she was named an Assistant Director and later advanced to Director of the program in 1971. In 1980, the University Board of Trustees approved a change of status and the School of Nursing became the College of Nursing. Dr. Payne was appointed as the first dean.

Collaborating with University leadership and the Deans of MSU medical schools, she was involved with the planning for the MSU Clinical Center and Life Sciences Building where the College of Nursing resides today. With an eye to the future needs of nursing education, she authorized the construction of a Multimedia Learning Laboratory. Also under her leadership, in 1974, the Division of Continuing Education for nurses was established. In 1976, with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the College started a master's program in nursing.

Committed to staying actively engaged with MSU nursing alumni, in 1972 she established Outstanding Alumni Awards. To date, 80 MSU nursing alumni have been recipients of these most distinguished honors. Dr. Payne also played a pivotal role in leading the fight to keep nursing education a top priority for the University as recommendations were made to eliminate the College in 1981.

Despite her retirement in 1982, Dr. Payne continued her involvement in the College of Nursing and its Deans that followed. In 1994, she authored the first publication of the history of the College of Nursing and at the time of her death, she had served as an active member of the Board of Visitors for more than 10 years.

In honor of Dr. Payne's exemplary and unwavering commitment to the College, the Isabelle K. Payne Endowed Professorship has been established. Once funded, the endowment will provide support for a nursing scholar who exhibits leadership and excellence through scholarly activity. The first endowed professorship in the College's history, Dr. Payne desired its establishment to improve educational opportunities, support current faculty and enhance the College's ability to recruit additional outstanding faculty.

"Dr. Isabelle Payne established a legacy of excellence at MSU that generations will benefit from,” said Dean Mary Mundt. "As a passionate advocate of nursing she fought for both permanence and strength in nursing education at Michigan State University. Her historical role as first dean of the College of Nursing will forever reside in the hearts of our faculty, staff, and alumni, while continuing to impact the educational experiences of our students.”

For your leadership we honor you.

For your dedication we thank you.

For your passion we admire you.

A memorial service for Dr. Isabelle Payne will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at University United Methodist Church, 1120 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, Michigan, 48823.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Isabelle K. Payne Endowed Professorship in two ways:

Mail to the College of Nursing at Michigan State University, Office of External Relations, A213 Life Sciences Building, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824.

Make a contribution online by following the instructions below:

1. Click here
2. Select the Isabelle K. Payne Endowed Professorship fund and then click "Add Selected Funds”
3. On the right side of the screen, insert your donation amount and select the gift credit category of choice
4. Next, click the "Continue” button on the bottom of the screen
5. You will be directed to the donor information page where you fill in the required information and click "Continue”
6. Finally, insert your billing information and select "Process Your Transaction”