LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dr. Durand Payton

Position: Career And Technical Education Center Director
School: Moss Point Career And Technical Education Center
School District: Moss Point School District
City, State: Moss Point, MS

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Dr. Durand Payton's nominator wishes to remain anonymous.

Dr. Payton has worked in the Moss Point School District for 15 years and has been the director of the Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) for five years. He helps students prepare for life beyond high school, whether it's attending college or finding a job. He focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to thrive and stay ahead of the game. It is evident that Dr. Payton has made a difference in the lives of countless students, because many of them have contacted him years after graduation to let him know about the positive impact he made on their lives.

There are many students in need in the Moss Point School District, and Dr. Payton has been known to purchase uniforms, shoes, and school supplies with his own personal funds. He has also given students his own dress shirts and ties, to teach them how to dress for success. Along with educating high school students, Dr. Payton also educates adults in the community by offering Saturday adult education classes. These classes offer certifications that aid in finding or improving employment. He is present during all Saturday classes, and devotes his time to helping the community.

As an employee of the district, Dr. Payton has taught classes, created investment clubs, mentored students and teachers, held various leadership positions, and written grants to benefit the district. In his 5 years as CTE Director, he has written grants totaling more than $200,000, and has implemented new programs like aquaculture and engineering. Dr. Payton has created an environment in which students thrive, and has strengthened the connection between the district and business partners in the community.

Dr. Payton has encouraged other educators to expand their knowledge by furthering their education to receive more certifications and higher degrees. He is quoted for saying "the more we know, the more we can help our students." He was recently chosen as the Career and Technical Administrators Administrator of the Year by the Mississippi Association of School Administrators.

"It is undeniable that Dr. Payton has made a positive impact on the students and the community," the nominator said. "It is evident that he goes above and beyond to educate both students and adults. He is making a difference, and he is changing lives."

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Comments (12)

Reginald Steele Posted over a year ago

There is a distinct difference between teachers and educators. Teachers teach their students lessons that are good for the moment; however, educators teach their students life long lessons that will stick with them throughout the good, bad, and ugly. Mr. Payton has definitely been an educator to many. I have learned and grown from him. There are not a lot of men of color that are within this profession, so his hard work truly stick with others for the better. He has personally impacted my life mentally, emotionally, financially, academically, and socially. As I am an adult now, I try to live and lead the way that he has done. I became the Student Director for KQ&K Tutoring and Mentoring Program at Wabash College and received a federal grant that helped benefit less fortunate kids.. If I had not had him as a mentor, I probably would have not had those skills to change other's life around. It is because of Mr. Payton that I am the man I am today. A young diligent, Black man who isn't afraid of education nor society. I am super excited for him and his accomplishments and I hope that I can live up to his legacy.

Michael Jacksom Posted over a year ago

Always honest, Always Professional. Congratulations! Keep changing lives brother.

Pamela Dubose Posted over a year ago

Dr. Payton encourages students to consider their futures. In career and technical education the income is FABULOUS and the certifications can be completed in two years or less. As the director of MPCTE, Dr. Payton is all about bettering OUR community through the programs that are offered. We sit on a gold mine. There is industry all around us and positions waiting to be filled. He is a LIFE CHANGER!

Shannon Briggs Posted over a year ago

Dr. Payton is a wonderful person and an excellent administrator. Dr. Payton consistently gives of his time, talents, and treasures to ensure the needs of all students are being met. Dr. Payton often mentors his students and continues to help them grow academically and personally as young adults. Dr. Payton is truly a lifechanger, as works diligently to help change the lives of his students one student at a time.

Pamela Marie Dickey Posted over a year ago

Dr. Payton is passionate about the children in his care as it relates to their education and their well-being . He goes above and beyond the call of duty for his students. He is the epitome of what an educator should be!

Marva Payton Posted over a year ago

Dr. Payton is certainly dedicated to and passionate about his job as CTE Director. He goes above and beyond to fulfill his obligations and is always thinking of new ideas to benefit Moss Point's Career and Technical Education Center, as well as the district. He devotes a significant amount of his time - outside of school hours - to making sure the CTE Center thrives. He wants students to be successful in high school and beyond. Dr. Payton is a nominee who embodies what this award represents.

Jimmy L. Wilson Jr. Posted over a year ago

I thank God for the passion, vision, and leadership of Dr. Payton. He's well needed in the city of Moss Point. His work in education and in the community has been nothing short of outstanding. I and my church support his life's work 100%. Pastor Jimmy L. Wilson Jr. The EXtraordinary Church

Nadine Wilson Posted over a year ago

Dr. Payton is one of the most compassionate educators I know. His desire to see his students and his school system advance goes beyond words. He is also a very caring family man and community advocate. His work to get those in the community the necessary skills needed for gainful employment has benefited many. All of his efforts, which are too many to mention, have been impactful making him a wonderful nominee for this award.

Carmen Posted over a year ago

Dedicated to helping the community

Darrell Payton, Sr Posted over a year ago

Dr. Payton is truly a life changer. He really have the children best interest at heart! He goes out of his way to help people.

Patricia Ward Posted over a year ago

Awesome educator and mentor. He truly has a heart for what he does and is definitely deserving.

Dorothy Posted over a year ago

So deserveing of what God has for him.