William Payne

William Payne serves as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources (CABNR) at the University of Nevada, Reno, a position he has held since 2014. As an academic leader with international experience, he drives the college's land-grant mission through interdisciplinary research, education, and extension programs focused on agricultural innovation and sustainability.

His academic foundation includes:

• B.A. in Chemistry from Wabash College (1981)
• M.S. in Soil Science from Texas A&M University (1988)
• Ph.D. in Soil Science from Texas A&M University (1990)

Dr. Payne's research expertise spans soil science, crop physiology, and agronomy, with specialized focus on sustainable agricultural systems for dry regions. His international work at ICARDA pioneered food security solutions in challenging environments, emphasizing climate-resilient practices and resource optimization. He champions cross-disciplinary collaboration to address complex challenges like water scarcity and ecosystem management through integrated scientific approaches.

Professional honors include:

• Fellow of five international scientific societies

As Dean, Payne oversees the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station's statewide network of eight field laboratories, fostering research partnerships that translate scientific discoveries into practical applications for Nevada's agricultural sector. His leadership cultivates educational programs that prepare future scientists while strengthening community engagement through extension services that address regional food systems and natural resource management.