Talladega College will recognize two trailblazing women for their extraordinary leadership, service, and impact during its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 3. Rica L. Lewis Payton, Chairwoman of the College’s Board of Trustees, and Barbara Bigsby Boyd will each be awarded honorary Doctorate degrees in celebration of their lifelong dedication to excellence and community advancement. Mrs. Lewis-Payton, a proud member of the Class of 1981, has built an exceptional career spanning four decades in healthcare leadership. A respected consultant and executive coach, she retired after 31 years of federal service before launching her own consulting business. Her career includes serving as the inaugural Director of the Veterans Health Administration’s Healthcare Leadership Talent Institute and as a regional CEO overseeing ten VA Medical Centers across an eight-state region. Her legacy includes breaking barriers as the first female and African American CEO of the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, a role she held from 2008 to 2012. Earlier in her career, she made history again as the first African American female appointed Medicaid Commissioner for the state of Mississippi. Her outstanding service earned her the prestigious Presidential Rank Award, the highest honor for members of the federal Senior Executive Service Corps. Mrs. Lewis-Payton holds a Master of Science in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Talladega College. She is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and remains actively engaged in civic and service organizations, including The Links, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Representative Barbara Boyd’s career reflects an equally powerful commitment to education and public service. First elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1994, she has served her constituents with distinction for decades. Born on January 31, 1937, Representative Boyd earned her Bachelor of Arts in French and English from Miles College, followed by both a Master’s degree and Doctor of Education from the University of Alabama. Before entering public office, Representative Boyd dedicated more than 45 years to education, shaping the lives of students across secondary schools and higher education institutions, including Jacksonville State University, Gadsden State Community College, and Miles College. Her work in education has left a lasting imprint on countless students and communities throughout Alabama. In addition to her legislative service, Representative Boyd remains deeply involved in civic and faith-based organizations. She serves on the Trustee Board of Murray Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and maintains active membership in the NAACP, the Alabama New South Coalition, and the Dorcas Art and Social Club in Anniston. She is also affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Phi Delta Kappa, and Kappa Delta Pi. Together, these two honorees exemplify the mission and values of Talladega College through their leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service. As the institution prepares to celebrate the Class of 2026, the recognition of Mrs. Lewis-Payton and Representative Boyd underscores the profound impact of individuals who dedicate their lives to uplifting others and advancing their communities.
