Carolyn R. Payton

Carolyn R. Payton
8th Director of the Peace Corps
In office
October 11, 1977 – December 18, 1978
PresidentJimmy Carter
Preceded byJohn Dellenback
Succeeded byRichard F. Celeste
Personal details
BornMay 13, 1925
Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
DiedApril 11, 2001(2001-04-11) (aged 75)
Washington, DC, U.S.
EducationBennett College (BA)
University of Wisconsin (MS)
Columbia University (EdD)

Carolyn Robertson Payton (May 13, 1925 – April 11, 2001) was appointed Director of the United States Peace Corps in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. She was the first female and the first African American to be Peace Corps Director. Payton was a pioneer in black women's leadership within the American Psychological Association and psychology.