MEET THE PAYNES
William serves as a Protestant Chaplain at Syracuse University, joining the campus community in 2018. He brings 16 years of pastoral ministry experience to his diverse roles on campus. William oversees Athletes United at Syracuse University and serves as the trusted team chaplain for both the Syracuse football and men's basketball teams, providing spiritual guidance to student-athletes and coaches. His faith journey began as a child in Indiana when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Since 2002, William and his wife, Melinda, have worked hand-in-hand in dedicated ministry. Today, Melinda serves alongside him as the Director of Operations for Athletes United at Syracuse University bringing a connection to the local area where she was raised and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as a child. Married since 1997, William and Melinda are the proud parents of four children, balancing family life with a shared commitment to uplifting the Syracuse athletic community.