MCC Daily Tribune
Passing of Rochelle Watson-Payne, Associate Professor in ESOL/Transitional Studies
It is with sadness that I inform the College community of the passing of Rochelle D. Watson-Payne, associate professor in the ESOL/Transitional Studies Department, on June 6, 2023.
She joined MCC as a technical assistant in the Integrated Learning Center in 2004 and briefly served as an adjunct instructor for the Gateway to College program and for the Transitional Studies Department in 2007. She continued working as a technical assistant in 2008 before being promoted to the rank of full-time instructor and, shortly after, assistant professor in Transitional Studies within a year. She achieved associate professorship in 2018.
During her 19 years of service at MCC, Professor Watson-Payne was a strong advocate for learners from all backgrounds, especially underprepared individuals, as she supported students and her colleagues on both campuses. She was not only a provider but a facilitator of academic support services, helping students to build relationships and establish rapport with their professors and tutors.
Professor Watson-Payne was also instrumental in several initiatives, including leading the grant proposal process that resulted in MCC’s Title III grant, which enabled the ESOL/TRS Department to develop an integrated reading and writing curriculum and math flex classes and to create the Center for Academic Reading and the Math Flex Lab. These efforts led to increased student success and made a positive impact on the lives of many students.
She also participated in the Gates Foundation’s Innovation Collaborative, which trained faculty to develop learning communities and then supported faculty as they developed and taught those classes.
Her most recent service to the College included previously participating as a member of the search committee for the vice president, Academic Services position; the College-wide Evaluations Task Force and the College-wide ALP Committee; and the Faculty Senate, including serving on the Special Committee on Administrative Affairs (SCAA) subcommittee. She was also a past member of the Interdisciplinary Learning Center and College Success advisory committees. In 2017 and 2018, she served as a marshal for the Academic Achievement Convocation.
Professor Watson-Payne earned a master’s degree in education from Nazareth College and a bachelor’s in history from University of Rochester. She was working on completing her Ph.D. in executive leadership at St. John Fisher University.
She is survived by her husband, Harry Payne, an adjunct faculty member at MCC; her daughter; and many loved ones.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 13, at North Greece Road Church of Christ, 1039 North Greece Road, Rochester, NY, 14626, with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m.
MCC extends condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and students. We are grateful for her many contributions and service to MCC.
DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
06/09/2023