Anita H. Payne, professor of biological chemistry and professor of biological chemistry in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, retired from active faculty status on July 31, 1996, after a most productive career as a teacher and researcher.

Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, Professor Payne received her B.A. degree in 1949 and her Ph.D. degree in 1952, both from the University of California, Berkeley. From 1952-53, she was a physiologist at the Donner Laboratory of Medical Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, during which time she received the Award for Cancer Research from the California Institute for Cancer Research.

Professor Payne joined the University of Michigan in 1961 as a research associate in the Department of Biological Chemistry. She was appointed research associate in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1969 and, from 1970-71, held the title of associate research biochemist. She was appointed assistant professor of biological chemistry in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1971; was promoted to associate professor in 1976; and, in 1981, was named to her professorship in biological chemistry in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biological Chemistry.

Professor Payne's research has focused on steroid hormone biosynthesis and steroidogenic enzymes in Leydig cells. She is recognized internationally as an expert in this area and has continually received extramural funding throughout her career to pursue her research endeavors. In recognition of her outstanding work, in 1986 Professor Payne received the University's Academic Women's Caucus Award for leadership, scholarship, and impact on the betterment of women. She has been active in the Society for the Study of Reproduction, having held a number of offices, including president from 1990-91. Professor Payne has also served on a multitude of University and Medical School committees, and played a major role in the establishment of the Reproductive Sciences Program. In her honor, the Anita Payne Lectureship in Reproductive Science was established in 1993 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Regents now salute this distinguished scientist for her dedicated service by naming Anita H. Payne professor emerita of biological chemistry and professor emerita of biological chemistry in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.