Adam Payne, PhD
Short Bio
Dr. Adam A. Payne is a Senior Lecturer and the Teaching Excellence Coordinator in the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University. A cultural geographer, his research focuses on tourism, heritage, urban studies, and the relationships between people and place. Since joining Auburn in 2017, he has taught a wide range of courses, including Global Geography, Economic Geography, Sports Geography, Human Geography and Essential Teaching Skills for Geoscience GTAs.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Geography) Oklahoma State University 2015
Master of Arts (History) University of Central Oklahoma 2007
Bachelor of Arts (History Education) University of Central Oklahoma 2004
Professional Experience
Dr. Adam A. Payne has over nine years of teaching experience at colleges and universities, joining Auburn University as a lecturer in 2017. He has taught a broad range of courses that focus on cultural geography. He is a Senior Lecturer and currently serving asTeaching Excellence Coordinator in the Department of Geosciences. As a Biggio Faculty Fellow, he leads graduate-level pedagogy courses, mentors GTAs and provides support for new faculty through orientation programs and the New Faculty Scholars initiative.
Innovation
A cultural geographer by training, Dr. Payne’s research explores tourism, heritage, urban studies and the connections between people and place. His work has examined gentrification and commodification, place promotion, and heritage tourism, with a focus on how communities and landscapes are shaped by social, economic, and cultural forces.
Short List of Articles:
2024. The Making of an American Cultural Icon: Postcard Imagery and Place Promotion along Route 66. Material Culture 56 (1): 31-51.
2020. From Old West to Cosmopolitan City: Changing Narrative on Oklahoma City Tourist Guides. Tourism Review International 23 (3-4): 149-164.
2019. Postcard Imagery and Geographical Imagination along the Lincoln Highway. Material Culture 51 (1): 1-20.
2019. New-Build Development and the Gentrification of Oklahoma City’s Deep Deuce Neighborhood. Geographical Review 109 (1): 108-130.
Engagement
Dr. Payne is actively engaged in educational outreach, developing adaptable teaching toolkits, leading hands-on workshops and promoting innovative pedagogical strategies through the EASL program. His work directly impacts the learning experiences of students and the professional growth of instructors at Auburn, helping faculty and graduate students improve classroom engagement and instructional effectiveness. By collaborating across disciplines, he ensures that teaching practices are not only innovative but also meaningful and practical, equipping educators with skills that translate into real-world improvements in student learning and academic success.
