Payson Johnston

Payson Johnston serves as Instructor of Business at the School of Business, University of Tennessee Southern, bringing dual entrepreneurial experience in fintech innovation and strategic technology leadership. Formerly teaching at the University of San Francisco and mentoring AI/payments startups at Techstars, he bridges academic theory with real-world business applications.

Education:

• MA, University of Nottingham (Graduated with Merit, 2015)
• MBA, University of San Francisco
• BS, San Jose State University

His research uniquely converges commerce with philosophical theology, driving investigations into business ethics, entrepreneurial finance, and fintech innovation. Current work examines AI's ethical implications in payments systems and sustainability's integration within global supply chains, while maintaining theological perspectives on vocational calling in business contexts. This interdisciplinary approach creates distinctive frameworks for ethical business practice in emerging technology landscapes.

Publication analysis reveals three distinct research trajectories: recent TradeTech policy work (2020-2022) with WTO/WEF focuses on digital trade infrastructure; mid-career sustainability research (2013-2016) examines CSR implementation in global supply chains; and his theological foundation (2015 dissertation) explores vocational ethics. The consistent thread is ethical system design across technology, commerce, and human values.

Scientific Recognition:

Johnston actively mentors students in vocational discovery and has guided Techstars startups through AI and payments innovation cycles. His entrepreneurial background informs practical teaching approaches, though specific grant funding isn't documented. Current industry partnerships likely stem from his fintech expertise and supply chain background, supporting applied classroom learning.

No dedicated research labs or formal teams are referenced, though his startup mentorship at Techstars indicates collaborative industry engagement models focused on emerging technology commercialization.