Sarah Payne

Sarah Payne is a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Appalachian State University (ASU), where she has been teaching since 2023. She holds a B.S. and M.S. from Western Carolina University (WCU). Prior to ASU, she taught at Coastal Carolina University and Western Piedmont Community College for seven years. Her professional focus is on mathematics education, emphasizing critical thinking and accessible teaching methods to reduce math anxiety. She relocated to Hickory, North Carolina, in 2016 to be closer to her family, where she resides with her husband, Adam Payne, and their two children, Knox and Eva.

• Education:
• B.S., Western Carolina University
• M.S., Western Carolina University
• Affiliations:
• Lecturer at Appalachian State University, Hickory Campus
• Prior roles at Coastal Carolina University and Western Piedmont Community College

While no formal research awards or grants are noted, her teaching philosophy centers on making mathematics approachable and practical. She actively engages in community and outdoor activities with her family, including lake activities, hiking, and camping.