Phil Payne

Phillip D. Payne, Professor of Music Education, currently serves as the Interim Dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University. In this role, he oversees the growth, development and quality of graduate programs across K-State's campuses. He provides strategic leadership and vision to advance graduate education, collaborating with colleges and campus partners to support graduate students and faculty. Dr. Payne has also held a variety of positions across the K-State campus including, Associate Director for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance where he led MTD as the Music Executive for Accreditation, oversaw curriculum and assessment, and managed day-to-day aspects of MTD including teaching loads, funding requests, and line scheduling. He also served as Professor, Chair of Music Education, and Lead Advisor at Kansas State University specializing in Instrumental Music Education. Other duties included teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in music education, supervising student teachers, and overseeing all operational aspects of the music education program at K-State. His research interests include curriculum and assessment, student and teacher mental wellness, job satisfaction, and transfer students’ experiences and successes. He remains an active researcher, clinician, consultant, and adjudicator for districts and arts entities throughout the United States.