Carolyn Payton, the first woman and black director of the Peace Corps volunteer agency, died in her home last weekend at the age of 75. Payton was appointed to be director of the Peace Corps in 1977 by President Carter. Payton served only 13 months as director, but in that time focused the agency’s efforts on recruiting minorities as volunteers. Payton’s service with the Peace Corps began long before her appointment to director. In 1964, she worked as a field assessment officer and eventually became the agency’s overseas country director. Before and after her time with the Peace Corps, Payton was with Howard University in Washington D.C. as an assistant professor of psychology and then as the school’s dean of counseling and career development.
Uncategorized
