Tamara B. Payne

Tamara B. Payne, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Counseling Department at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), located within the College of Education and Professional Studies. She holds adjunct roles at Chattahoochee Technical College and has extensive experience in rehabilitation counseling, mental health, and online education development. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Academic Psychology (Walden University, 2006), M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling (FVSU, 1996), and B.S. in Infant and Child Development (FVSU, 1994).

Dr. Payne’s research focuses on innovative teaching methods, minority psychology, and barriers faced by marginalized groups. Notable areas include using simulations for life skills education, stereotype threat among youth, and microaggressions targeting Black athletes in predominantly white institutions. She has published in interdisciplinary journals and presented at conferences addressing topics like trauma therapy, career development for formerly incarcerated individuals, and disability awareness.

She has received awards such as the Gladyce C. Sampson Memorial Lecturer Award (2007) and maintains active roles in professional organizations including the National Rehabilitation Association and American Psychological Association. Dr. Payne has served on numerous university committees, including the CORE Accreditation Committee and Faculty/Staff Institute Committee, and leads initiatives like the SAM Task Force. Her professional credentials include LPC, CRC, NCC, and ACS certifications.