Dr. Deitra C. Payne is an Assistant Professor of Human Resources and the Director of the Human Resource Management Program in the School of Business.  Prior to her teaching career, she worked in corporate America for more than 15 years.  Dr. Payne has worked for numerous government contractors in the areas of operations, accounting and finance. She has managed multimillion dollar contracts, developed corporate budgets and developed financial reporting systems to streamline work processes.

In 2006, Dr. Payne realized her dream of becoming an entrepreneur when she founded C. Payne Consulting & Training (CPCT), LLC, a professional services business specializing in management consulting, training and coaching for businesses and individuals.  She also conducts empowerment workshops and seminars that inspire, uplift and motivate individuals to live their best life.  In 2006, Dr. Payne was recognized in the power issue of the Arizona Woman magazine as one of five Valley women CEO's.

Dr. Payne holds a B.A. in Business and Accounting, an M.A. in Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Human Resources. Dr. Payne is a member of numerous organizations to include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  With her commitment to the community, Dr. Payne has served on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization.  She also volunteers her time to conduct workshops for youth.  In 2007, Dr. Payne was asked to be a presenter at the Phoenix Black Youth Recognition Conference in which she delivered her presentation on choices to a group of high school students.

Dr. Payne is also a motivational speaker, success coach and author. Her e-book, Living Happy: You Hold the Keys, provides powerful strategies to live a more joyous and happy life. She is also a contributing author to the book, It's Your Time, published in 2008.  She is currently working on several self-help and empowerment books she expects to complete in 2011.

In keeping with her passion for helping others, Dr. Payne founded Women & HOPE, a global community and empowerment magazine for women, with HOPE being an acronym for Helping Others Propel to Excellence.  Women & HOPE is all about women coming together from all over the world to share their stories and resources to help one another so that we are all living our best lives.  In keeping with this theme, Dr. Payne hosts two radio shows for Women & HOPE; The Women’s Empower Hour and Ladies, Let’s Talk.