Karla Payne, Military & Veteran Strategic Partnership Manager on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Higher Education

Karla Payne

Military & Veteran Strategic Partnership Manager, National University

Enterprise, AL

2026Years experience
2Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Associate's degree Degree Bachelor's degree (15 years) Degree Master's degree (15 months) Degree Doctorate (4.5 years Degree Completed 2025) Degree High school graduate (1990) Cert Navy Veteran Cert Doctorate (2025) Member Council of College Military Educators (volunteer) Member Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (Virginia ACME)

Her Story

About Karla

I've always worked in education, starting as a volunteer in elementary ed as a Navy wife. I shifted to higher ed after pursuing a teaching credential and master's at National University, where I was hired as an admissions advisor on a San Diego base. I found my niche there and stayed, eventually earning my doctorate in 2025. As a Navy veteran and former Navy spouse now married to a retired Army husband, I'm passionate about bringing education to military-affiliated students through strategic partnerships.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Karla

01What do you attribute your success to?

Patience and asking for help when needed. My husband was instrumental, giving me a push to finish my doctorate by saying I was at an impasse and needed to decide whether to finish or walk away.

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