New interim dean looks to expand access, advance careers at School of Professional Advancement

When Christa Payne talks about the students she hopes to reach through the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement (SoPA), she can't help but think about her own experience.

Years into her career and in the midst of raising three daughters, Payne returned to school to earn an MBA from Tulane's A. B. Freeman School of Business. Like many of the students SoPA serves, she balanced her studies with work, family and other responsibilities.

"At the time, my girls were in elementary school, middle school and high school, and between work, family and school, it could get overwhelming," she said. "I spent about six hours a week in class, plus homework, reading and group projects. Most weekends were dedicated to schoolwork."

Even with the juggling, she said, she couldn't imagine a more rewarding experience.

"The best part was celebrating the completion of my last class with my three daughters," Payne said. "They were incredibly supportive and proud, and it was important to me that they see the value of education and lifelong learning."

Now, Payne is bringing that perspective to her new role as interim dean of SoPA, a school dedicated to helping working adults advance their careers through programs in a variety of in-demand fields such as cybersecurity, paralegal studies, sport administration, digital design and public administration.

Payne's appointment comes after nearly a decade at Tulane, where she has served as SoPA's chief business officer. In that role, she has worked behind the scenes, helping guide the school's operations, finances, marketing and strategic growth. She has also served SoPA's deans, putting their ideas into action while developing a deep understanding of both the university and the students SoPA serves.

That experience has prepared her for her current role, through which she is building on the school's momentum and expanding opportunities for adult learners.

Payne came to Tulane in 2016 after a career in information technology, business development, K-12 foundation work and public sector consulting. She came to what was then known as the School of Continuing Studies after being inspired by its mission to reach non-traditional learners.

Payne said SoPA is more focused than ever on adults looking to build skills, earn credentials and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

"SoPA is laser-focused on finding adult learners who want to advance their careers, their professional lives and change their trajectory through education," Payne said.

That focus is shaping the school's future through new academic offerings, expanded online programs and initiatives designed to reach students beyond New Orleans and the Gulf South.

But attracting students is only part of the challenge, Payne said. Ensuring their success through graduation is equally important. "We have to make sure they're supported," she said. "When our students persist and graduate, they can advance professionally."

To provide that assistance, SoPA is expanding advising resources and implementing new technology to identify students who may be struggling. For example, if a student is falling behind, not turning in assignments or failing to engage in their online class, advisers get an online alert indicating the student needs assistance. At that point, advisers will step in to get the student back on track.

It is all part of Payne's goal of working to ensure that faculty, staff and students remain focused on the mission that brought them together in the first place.

"We are here for the students," she said. "Our ultimate goal is to get them through to graduation."

Outside of Tulane, Payne is a competitive rower who learned the sport just three years ago and now competes nationally with the New Orleans Rowing Club.

She sees parallels between rowing and the challenges faced by many SoPA students. Rowers in New Orleans must navigate bridges, strong currents, alligators and other obstacles that competitors elsewhere rarely encounter. She said the sport has shaped the way she thinks about leadership, teamwork and perseverance.

"In rowing, every person in the boat has to move together toward the same destination. That's how I think about SoPA. Faculty, staff and students all have different roles, but we're working toward the same goal - helping students reach the finish line and create new opportunities for themselves."