Payne named interim dean of the K-State Graduate School
Phillip Payne, professor of music education and acting dean of the Kansas State University Graduate School, has been appointed as the Graduate School's interim dean, effective Aug. 17.
As interim dean, Payne will oversee the growth, development and quality of graduate programs across K-State's campuses. He will provide strategic leadership and vision to advance graduate education, collaborating with colleges and campus partners to support graduate students and faculty.
"Dr. Payne has shown exceptional commitment to graduate education at K-State,” said Jesse Perez Mendez, provost and executive vice president. “His experience as acting dean and associate dean, combined with his strengths as a collaborative leader and accomplished scholar, will allow him to guide the Graduate School during this important transition.”
The Graduate School enrolls more than 4,300 students in master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs across nine academic colleges. The school is central to advancing the university's research mission and contributes to K-State's land-grant responsibility to prepare the next generation of scholars, professionals and leaders.
"I am excited to start this journey with the wonderful staff within the Graduate School and serve as a partner for our amazing graduate faculty in supporting both graduate student success and academic programming," said Payne. "I look forward to partnering with programs to maintain our current offerings while continuing to explore new ways to innovate within the graduate education space."
Payne has served on the Graduate School's leadership team since 2021. He was appointed associate dean in July 2024 and has served as acting dean since May 2025. In these roles, he has coordinated Graduate Council committees, overseen curriculum development and program assessment, and worked closely with deans, program directors and faculty across campus.
A professor of music education in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Payne joined K-State in 2010. He has chaired the music education division, led the music education symposium, and supervised graduate and undergraduate teaching programs. His research focuses on program assessment and the mental health of music educators, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and national presentations to his credit.
Payne holds a doctorate in music education with an emphasis in instrumental conducting from the University of Oklahoma, as well as master's and bachelor's degrees in music education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.