Skip To Translation Selection Skip To Top Navigation Skip To Content Skip To Footer
University of the District of Columbia Facebook University of the District of Columbia Instagram University of the District of Columbia LinkedIn University of the District of Columbia Twitter/X University of the District of Columbia YouTube
Faculty & Staff Directory

Randolph Payton

Visiting Assistant Professor

Arts and Humanities
College of Arts and Sciences

Contact Information
202-316-8161
Van Ness Campus

Randolph Payton is a digital media faculty member at UDC's College of Arts and Sciences, specializing in journalism, communications, and diversity initiatives. A Fulbright Specialist and former media executive, he leads student projects, research on AI literacy for seniors, and efforts to expand automotive media education in Africa.

Experience

Education

Graduate Certificate in Public Relations and Marketing, George Washington University 
Bachelor of Journalism, University of the District of Columbia 

Roles

Member, Recruitment and Retention Committee, 2023-Present 
Member, CAS Dean Search Committee, 2024 
President, Decisive Media Network, 2014-Present 
CEO, On Wheels, Inc., 1995-2014 
President, Annual Urban Wheel Awards, 1996-2014 
President, Emerging Diversity Education Foundation, 1996-2014 
Vice President, Washington Automotive Press Association, 2001-05 

Courses Taught

Publication Lab 
Fundamentals of Journalism 
Broadcast Media 
Communications Tools 
Foundation of Oral Communications 
Strategic Communications 

Expertise

Fulbright Specialist Program; managing student media projects; Howard University Center of Journalism and Democracy Investigative Journalism project; UDC Student Journalism Club Advisor; UDC Student Newspaper Advisor; Digital media Recruitment and Retention committee member 

Research Focus / Works in Progress

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion movement; introducing automotive media at an African university; AI literacy for seniors; proposed Center for Learning and Aging; senior health and wellness; D.C. youth summer programming 

Impact

Selected Publications

Payton, R. (2024, September 10). Guest commentary: Ford’s DE&I policy shift could prove costly in the long run. Automotive News. https://www.autonews.com/guest-commentary/ford-dei-policy-shift-could-prove-costly-long-run/ 

Selected Presentations

Payton, R. (n.d.) The future of hand dance, D.C.’s official dance [Video]. People’s Archives, Washington, D.C. 

Recognitions

Appointee, U.S. President’s Blue Ribbon Panel Vehicle Passenger Safety 
Member, Washington Automotive Press Association Board 
Folio Magazine’s Top 40 Most Influential in Magazine Industry 
Winner, Best of Michigan Business Community Leader, 2015 
Recipient, U.S. Dept. Commerce Minority Enterprise National Media Cornerstone Award, 2006 
Winner, Corp Magazine Top Business Leader