Dr. Cynthia Payne Honored for Over 30 Years of Excellence in Women’s Health, Education, and Community Advocacy

Biography

Atlanta, GA – In recognition of Women’s History Month, Dr. Cynthia Payne, DNP, MSN, NP-BC, CNM, is being honored for her outstanding contributions to women’s health, nursing education, and community service spanning more than 30 years.

Dr. Payne is a board-certified nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife who has attended over 1,000 births throughout her distinguished career. She has dedicated her professional life to advancing equitable healthcare and improving outcomes for women and families, particularly within underserved and vulnerable populations.

Currently serving as an Associate Professor in the University System of Georgia, Dr. Payne plays a pivotal role in educating and mentoring future nurses at all academic levels. Her passion for teaching and commitment to student success have helped shape the careers of countless healthcare professionals.

Leadership in Nursing

Dr. Cynthia Payne’s career reflects a legacy of compassion, excellence, and advocacy. Her work continues to uplift communities, empower students, and advance the future of healthcare.

Her dedication to advancing equitable healthcare and improving outcomes for women and families, particularly within underserved and vulnerable populations, has made a lasting impact across clinical care, education, and community service.

Education & Academic Influence

• DNP
• MSN
• NP-BC
• CNM
• Associate Professor in the University System of Georgia
• Mentoring for students in the Center for Outreach, Research, and Engagement (CORE) program
• Contributed to the NIH/NIGMS Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program
• Research, publishing, and curriculum development focused on addressing HPV vaccine hesitancy and advancing nursing education resources nationwide

Clinical & Professional Impact

• Board-certified nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife
• Attended over 1,000 births throughout her distinguished career
• Advanced equitable healthcare and improved outcomes for women and families
• Served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service
• Worked with the National Institutes of Health to strengthen expertise in research and clinical practice
• Contributed to national health initiatives
• Served with the Georgia Department of Public Health on women’s health initiatives
• Supported the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and development of public health protocols in Women’s Services and STIs management

Awards & Recognition

• Honored during Women’s History Month for outstanding contributions to women’s health, nursing education, and community service
• President’s Volunteer Lifetime Service Award recipient in 2025
• Recognized for over 4,000 hours of community service

Recent Accomplishments

Dr. Payne is actively involved in academic enrichment and research initiatives, including mentoring for students in the Center for Outreach, Research, and Engagement (CORE) program.

She has contributed to federally funded programs such as the NIH/NIGMS Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program, which aims to increase diversity in healthcare and biomedical fields by supporting underrepresented minority students through mentorship, academic support, and research opportunities.

Her scholarly work includes research, publishing, and curriculum development, with a focus on addressing HPV vaccine hesitancy and advancing nursing education resources nationwide.