Payne Leaves ASG Satisfied With His Work

Payne, a N.C. State University student who served two consecutive one-year terms as ASG president, will most likely be remembered for his efforts to secure a systemwide student fee increase of $1, which increased the ASG's budget from $4,000 to $165,000, and serving during a term that brought two of the larges tuition increases in UNC system history.

Looking back on his two terms in office, Payne said he is happy with what he had accomplished.

"Overall, I'm really satisfied with what I have achieved with the ASG," said Payne. "I have really fond memories of my time in office, especially of the $1 student fee increase, which brought much-needed revenue and flexibility to the ASG budget.

"This increase is going to allow more North Carolina students to (have an impact) on the role of education in the state."

UNC-system Board of Governors member Jim Phillips said Payne -- who is a non-voting member of the BOG -- has been a strong voice for students.

"He made it clear to the BOG that he was in a position to serve the students first," he said.

Payne was also forthcoming about the disappointments he faced during his tenure.

"I am pretty disappointed that we were unable to secure the student vote on the BOG," said Payne. "Our failure to convince the Senate after the House had approved the bill was disheartening."

The student vote bill passed overwhelmingly in the House in April 2001 but died in the Senate several months later.

Payne became president of the ASG at a time when the organization was coming under heavy criticism. His predecessor, Cliff Webster, resigned in the fall of 2000, after being arrested for larceny.

A year earlier, then-ASG President Nick Mirisis also resigned after admitting to plagiarizing a paper for class.

Payne, nevertheless, was determined to rectify the image of the organization and bring it to the forefront regarding student education.

"My biggest goal when I was first elected was to bring back the credibility of the organization and create an environment that would be proactive," said Payne. "Silencing criticism from outsiders was meant to be a by-product of our work."

Payne also said he faced many challenges when he took over the organization.

"It was challenging in working with all the student governments on all 16 campuses," he said. "But it was necessary to foster a clear direction and agenda that we could all take."

Despite the challenges of the two tuition increases and the failure of the student vote proposal, Payne said he has always chosen to focus on the positive side.

"It's always regrettable when situations don't go your way, but (the ASG) worked hard to make the best out of each situation and move forward," he said.

Payne also said a second year as ASG president aided his effectiveness in the post.

"I can't begin to tell you how much the second year has benefited me in conducting my duties," he said. "I almost wish it were a requirement."

N.C. State student and ASG Treasurer Jonathan Ducote, who will replace Payne as ASG president, said he has learned a lot from watching Payne in office.

"Andrew has revolutionized the ASG and brought it forward from a level it had been at for the last 30 years," said Ducote. "His communication with students and partnering with a multitude of organizations are strategies I intend to follow."

Phillips also said he was impressed with Payne's approach.

"Andrew did an excellent job in advocating and organizing for the students," he said. "His time and energy will definitely be a force for the ASG in the future."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.