INDIANA, Pa. — A total of nine graduates from Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s College of Health and Human Services, including a former Port Allegany man, were selected as the inaugural class for the College’s Hall of Distinction.

The Hall of Distinction recognizes and honors alumni and friends who have demonstrated illustrious professional accomplishments, outstanding character, and a commitment to community service and philanthropy.

IUP honored Brian K. Payne, formerly of Port Allegany, who earned his bachelor’s (1988), master’s (1990) and doctoral (1993) degrees from IUP with the recognition.

Payne, now a resident of Norfolk, Va., is the vice provost for academic affairs at Old Dominion University, where he is also tenured in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. He is a former editor of the American Journal of Criminal Justice and past president of the Southern Criminal Justice Association and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Payne is the author or co-author of more than 160 journal articles and seven books, including “White-Collar Crime: The Essentials” (Sage), “Family Violence and Criminal Justice” (Elsevier, with Randy Gainey), “Crime and Elder Abuse: An Integrated Perspective” (Charles C. Thomas), and “Introduction to Criminal Justice: A Balanced Approach” (Sage, with Will Oliver and Nancy Marion). He is also the founding chair of the Hampton Roads Cybersecurity Education, Workforce, and Economic Development Alliance. He received an alumni award of achievement from the IUP Department of Criminology.

While a student at IUP, he was a member of the IUP Ambassadors (student-alumni association). He is the son of Jack and Patricia Payne, Port Allegany, and is a 1984 graduate of Port Allegany High School.

The recipients were honored on April 30 and presented with their awards by Dr. Mary Williams, dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

“The Hall of Distinction serves to inspire our current students,” Williams said. “It is a symbol of the respect and admiration held by the College of Health and Human Services for these celebrated alumni and friends. Through their extraordinary achievements, they have established a lasting legacy of excellence.”