Dean and Associate Professor of Business Andre Payne named to yStark’s Twenty Under 40! list
Malone proudly recognizes Andre Payne, Ph.D. on being named to yStark’s! Twenty Under 40! list for 2025.
“Stark County has been a great place to work and live because of the amazing people who live and serve within this community,” said Payne, dean of the division of business and technologies, and associate professor of business at Malone. “I have found Stark County to be one of few places that is actively breaking down the barriers to find ways to bring communities together, from every walk of life, in very meaningful ways. Given the synergy that exists here, and the young people who are at the forefront of many of these efforts, I see great things on the horizon for the county.”
When the opportunity presented itself to join the Malone community, Payne was excited to serve holistically through Christ-centered leadership. As Canton’s University, Malone leans into opportunities to serve and support the greater community, just as Payne does for Malone students and for his workplace colleagues.
“Malone University is striving to be a significant educational resource for Northeast Ohio. We believe that the Division of Business and Technologies can help lead the charge in that endeavor,” he said. “As a dean, I am endeavoring to be a vessel for Kingdom blessings to flow through, for our faculty, our staff, and most importantly our students. With 10 majors, 13 minors, and an MBA program, our division is well-positioned to meet regional workforce development needs. Through innovative approaches like our Hybrid Trade program, we’re addressing local challenges and aiming to be the leading source of qualified candidates in Stark County.”
Recently honored with the distinction of being named to the yStark’s prestigious 2025 Class of Twenty under 40!, Payne is celebrated with other nominees, some of whom include Malone alumni, based on career acumen, community service and trusteeship, and personal and professional achievements. The selection committee is composed of business and community leaders representing a range of industry sectors from around Stark County.
“Andre has been a significant addition to our faculty since joining Malone in 2023,” said Christina Schnyders, Ph.D., LPCC-S, provost. “His leadership has been instrumental within the Division of Business and Technologies, and he has also helped to build key community partnerships that have helped to further the mission of Malone University. We are thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”
Malone alumni who are also named to this list include: Quinn Parker ʼ11, principal at GDK & Company, and Kylee Crislip ʼ16, senior director, outpatient behavioral health services at CommQuest Services.