For Jim Payne ’10, ’13, ’14, a college education used to feel out of reach. After all, he was serving on active duty in the United States Navy, with much of that time at sea. Still, he held this goal close to his heart.
“As a first-generation college student, I was determined to earn my degree, even though it often felt like I was climbing a hill with no end in sight,” he says.
The obstacles became smaller after Payne met a traveling faculty member from UMGC who taught courses aboard his ship. This encounter changed the course of his education and his life.
“In addition to working on the ship and attending school, I was also trying to run a household and provide for my family,” he says. “UMUC presented me with an opportunity to do all of that.”
Although it took Payne years to complete his bachelor’s degree while on active duty, he was able to accomplish this impressive feat. He didn’t go it alone, though. He credits UMGC’s deep commitment to its students and to providing them with the flexibility they need to continue their education, wherever they may be.
“I was amazed to see how much UMGC invests in students around the world,” he says. “The university provides nearly endless opportunities through its online and in-person offerings, which is exactly what nontraditional students need.”
In school, Payne developed a passion for lifelong learning. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he decided to pursue a master’s degree, which turned into two master’s degrees once he found out he could also earn an MBA in only an additional six months.
“I had dreams of possibly teaching after my Naval career, and I knew these advanced degrees would help me reach that goal as well as contribute to my success,” he says.
Grateful for the impact UMGC has had on his life, Payne was looking for a way to give back when he read about the Alumni Advisory Board on the UMGC website. He reached out to see if he could find an opportunity to get involved and pay it forward.
“I was thrilled when I was nominated for a position on the board,” he says. “I now have an insider’s view of this special organization and the work it so diligently does to provide opportunities to military learners.”
As an Alumni Advisory Board member, Payne is happy to play a role in helping others like him access the education they need to thrive, for themselves and their families.
“I am so excited to show up and have a voice and ensure that others can achieve their goals,” he concludes.
Over the years, Payne’s service on the Board helped him discover a calling: supporting students who, like him, were determined to continue their education. He chose to give back through a financial commitment to UMGC, directing his support where it could make an immediate impact on students.
Payne has contributed to the University’s Veterans Assistance Fund, which helps military and veteran students cover essential education-related costs when federal financial aid, Tuition Assistance, or VA benefits are unavailable or exhausted. He has also supported UMGC’s Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund—established in 1992 to award up to $2,000 to part‑ or full‑time students—helping ease financial burdens so learners can stay focused on what matters most: their education.
“I know what it means to work hard to continue your education. If my support can ease that journey for someone else, I’m proud to do it.”
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