Finish Line Scholarship

The purpose of this restricted annual scholarship is to provide encouragement and financial support, up to the student’s cost of attendance, to degree-seeking students who desire an MSU Billings education.

Terry and Patt Payne have always been advocates for education and building healthy communities and are longtime residents of Missoula, MT. Terry founded Terry Payne & Company in 1972 after graduating from the University of Montaha. In 2001, he formed Payne Financial Group, which developed into PayneWest Insurance. It grew to over 700 colleagues, operating in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, and was 33rd largest insurance broker in the United States before being acquired in April of 2023 by Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC., the 7th largest broker in the U.s. Terry remains as Chairman of PayneWest insurance, a March & McLennan Agency, LLC company.

It is the hope of Terry and Patt that those who truly want an advanced education but otherwise are unable to afford or have challenges in affording higher education can benefit by this financial support.