August 3, 2026

Dear Howard University Community, 

It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of our esteemed colleague, educator, alumna, and Professor Emerita, Joan C. Payne, Ph.D., whose lifelong commitment to Howard University, groundbreaking scholarship, and dedication to generations of students have left an enduring legacy. 

Dr. Payne's Howard journey began in 1968 as a student in the School of Communications, where she earned her degree in speech pathology and became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She later returned to Alma Mater, where she devoted more than four decades to educating future speech-language pathologists, researchers, and clinicians in what is now the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. 

I had the honor of working with Dr. Payne during her service on the Faculty Senate, where she was a steadfast advocate for Howard’s faculty. 

A nationally and internationally respected scholar, Dr. Payne was a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) whose pioneering research advanced the understanding of neurogenic language disorders through an ethnobiological perspective. Her scholarship helped illuminate the intersections of communication, culture, and health, with significant contributions to research on sickle cell disease, traumatic brain injury, aphasia, health disparities, caregiving, and cultural competence. Her work improved both clinical practice and patient outcomes while helping to prepare more culturally responsive healthcare professionals. In recognition of her extraordinary career, she received numerous honors, including the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing's Scholar-Mentor Award, ASHA's Certificate of Recognition for Special Contributions in Multicultural Affairs, and its Diversity Champion Award.

Beyond her remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Payne represented the very best of Howard University's tradition of excellence. She was part of a remarkable Howard family whose connection to the University spans five generations—a powerful testament to the enduring impact Howard has on families and communities and to the generations of leaders who continue to carry its mission forward. 

Those who knew Dr. Payne will remember her as an accomplished scholar, devoted educator, compassionate mentor, and proud Bison whose wisdom, generosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence inspired countless students and colleagues. Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she transformed, the scholarship she advanced, and the generations of Howard students who will follow in her footsteps. 

On behalf of the entire Howard University community, I extend my deepest condolences to Dr. Payne's family, friends, former students, colleagues. Please join me in keeping Dr. Payne's loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

With deepest sympathy,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery
President Emeritus
Howard University 

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