Fort Valley State University Introduced New Director of Athletics, Dr. Renae Myles Payne

3/23/2023 4:24:00 PM

By: FVSU Athletics

FORT VALLEY, Ga.- Fort Valley State University President, Dr. Paul Jones, publicly welcomed Dr. Renae Myles Payne to the Valley as the Director of Athletics, today at 2:00 p.m. at the Christine and Willie C. Jones Amphitheater on the FVSU campus.

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View the Press Conference (Click the On Demand tab)
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Dr. Renae and her husband Marcus are excited to be apart of the Wildcat Family. Her parents, Dr. Marvin K. Myles and Olivia Myles and her brothers, sister, sister-in-law, nephews, and niece were all in attendance. "Renae has been preparing for this opportunity her entire career and she is more than ready for the challenge. As a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, I am happy to have someone with her expertise at a fellow HBCU. We are extremely proud of her and all that she has and will accomplish as the AD", said her father, Dr. Marvin K. Myles.

What They're Saying About Dr. Renae:
"I had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Renae Myles Payne during our time together at Winthrop University. There are many positive things I can say about Renae, including her commitment to student athletes and diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, what really separates her from others is her incredible work ethic and her ability to get things done. Before Renae arrived, there were some things that people said we could not accomplish. Renae came in and simply said yes, we can do it and then she always came through. No one will outwork her, and she always did whatever work was necessary to help us accomplish our goals. Fort Valley State University is very fortunate to have her as their next Athletic Director."
Dr. Dan Mahony, President, Southern Illinois University System (former President at Winthrop)

"This is a GAME CHANGING hire for Fort Valley State University! Dr. Renae Myles Payne is one of the best leaders in college athletics and no one deserves this opportunity more than she does. She has mentored a significant number of coaches and administrators in athletics. With that, she brings her strong technical skill set, investment in mentoring leaders, nurturing student athletes and engaging the community and alumni, into the FVSU community. She is a phenomenal woman and an even better administrator. Congratulations Dr. Renae and Fort Valley State!
Dr. China Jude, Vice President/Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Denver Broncos

"Congratulations to Dr. Renae Myles Payne on her appointment as the new Director of Athletics at Fort Valley State University. Renae is a true servant leader with a solid track record of significant success. Her national networks and experience will serve Fort Valley State University Athletics well and I look forward to watching the FVSU Wildcats under her leadership exceed expectations both academically and athletically."
Sean Frazier, Vice President/Director of Athletics & Recreation, Northern Illinois University

"Fort Valley State has hit a home run hiring Dr. Renae Myles Payne as Athletics Director. In our time together at the University of Miami, Dr. Renae was instrumental in creating a winning culture. This was never more important than in 2020, when she led our athletic department through very turbulent times. Our program grew closer together through her work fostering diversity and inclusion and that set the tone for a successful season. I wish her the best of luck leading the Wildcats."
Manny Diaz, Defensive Coordinator, Penn State University (former Head FB Coach at Miami)

"Working with Dr. Renae was empowering and invigorating. She helps everyone she works with identify their strengths and motivates them to use those strengths to move forward. Her investment in student-athletes is unmatched, and she has a knack for connecting with various types of people. She was undoubtedly a catalyst for our team's progress. FVSU is fortunate to have her."
Andy Kershaw, Head Coach Women's Swimming, University of Miami

"Fort Valley State, you just landed an exceptional leader in Dr. Renae Myles Payne. You are getting an Athletic Director that will be committed to the athletic department by putting countless hours into development and supporting the athletic staff. She has no shame in rolling up her sleeves and making sure each program can compete at the highest level while providing a great student-athlete experience. Wildcats, get ready … it's going to be a fun ride!"
Semeka Randall Lay, Head Coach Women's Basketball, Winthrop

"Through her leadership and strong sense of integrity, Dr. Renae garnered the much-needed buy-in from faculty, coaches, student-athletes, and administrators to lay the foundation of a model student-athlete academic support program. Congratulations to her and Fort Valley State University."
Dr. Jan Blade, Sport Management Department Chair, Delaware State University (former FAR)

FVSU Media Contacts:
Britney Smith, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
britney.smith@fvsu.edu

Chris Myers, Director of Athletic Communications
christopher.myers@fvsu.edu

-Wildcats-

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