1958
Born to William and Aline Payne in Indianapolis, IN.
1981
Earns a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Wabash College; Is a volunteer with the Peace Corps in Mauritania until 1984.
1984
Marries his wife on June 30; Is a research assistant at Texas A&M University until 1990.
1986
Achieves a Master of Science in soil science from Texas A&M University.
1990
Obtains a Doctor of Philosophy in soil science from Texas A&M University.
1990
Is a postdoctoral researcher at Texas A&M University until 1991.
1991
Is a principal scientist with ICRISAT in Niger until 1997.
1997
Serves as chair of the international division of the American Society of Agronomy until 1998.
1997
Teaches as an assistant professor of agronomy at Oregon State University until 2000.
1998
Is an associate editor of “The Agronomy Journal” through today.
2000
Teaches an associate professor of crop physiology at Texas A&M University in Bushland until 2005.
2005
Teaches a professor of crop physiology at Texas A&M University until 2010.
2010
Is assistant director for research at the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture until 2011.
2011
Is director of CGIAR Dryland Systems Research Program until 2014.
2014
Is dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Nevada through today.