The Daily Bulletin Archive

Vice President Hal D. Payne has informed me that he plans to retire from Buffalo State College effective May 30, 2017. He will step down as vice president for student affairs on December 31, 2016, and will work with me on special assignments focused on community outreach during the remainder of the 2016–2017 academic year.

Hal Payne came to Buffalo State College in February 1990 as assistant vice president for student affairs. In June 1990, he was named acting vice president for student affairs and was appointed vice president for student affairs in May 1991. Over his time as vice president, his service to the college and oversight has spanned Student Life, Weigel Health, Residence Life, Student Success, Enrollment Management, Precollegiate Programs, Student Accessibility Services, Judicial Affairs, and our NCAA Division III athletics program.

Dr. Payne has overseen significant growth and expansion in both the facilities and programs that provide services to our students. Growth in the area of facilities includes residence hall renovation, upgrade and expansion projects such as those in the Frank C. Moore Apartment Complex (1998), the Student Apartment Complex (2008), Cassety Hall, and the Towers. He also oversaw significant developments to the Campbell Student Union including changes to our student dining program. Additionally he provided oversight for the renovations to Houston Gymnasium including the state-of-the art fitness center and swimming pool.

Dr. Payne has been a strong and committed member of the Buffalo State College community and has developed many connections for the college to Buffalo, Western New York, New York State, and beyond. His decision to step down from the position he has held for 27 years will provide him the much-desired time to fully engage in his other interests and pursuits.

Dr. Payne’s wisdom, lengthy knowledge of Buffalo State, and tremendous connections to the community have been invaluable across his years of service. We will officially celebrate him and express our gratitude for his many contributions and years of service during the spring semester. For now, I invite you all to join me in thanking him for his exceptional service to Buffalo State College and wishing him all the best as he embarks on this next new, exciting, and fulfilling phase of his life and career.