BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY : AFRICAN AMERICAN " WILLIAM K. PAYNE " SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA STATE COLLEGE FROM 1949 UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1963 : GOES INTO THE " HALL OF BLACK HEROES "

            BLACK   SOCIAL   HISTORY                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                         William K. Payne

Dr. William K. Payne
Payne pictured in The Tiger 1953, Savannah yearbook
President of Georgia State College Savannah State College
In office 1949–1963
Preceded by	James A. Colston
Succeeded by	Howard Jordan Jr.
Personal details
Born	August 23, 1903 Calhoun, Alabama
Died	July 26, 1963 (aged 59) Savannah, Georgia
Profession	educator

William Kenneth Payne (August 23, 1903 – July 26, 1963)^[1] served as president of Georgia State College from 1949 until his death in 1963.^[2]

Biography

Education

Early career

Payne, who was the dean of Georgia State College, became acting president when James A. Colston resigned in 1949.^[2]

President

Payne became president of Georgia State College in 1950. The first modern era building program was started during Payne’s tenure as President. Current campus buildings including Richard R. Wright Hall, Colston Hall, Wiley Gymnasium, and B. F. Hubert Technical Sciences Center were constructed during this period.^[2] Additionally, it was during his term that the institution’s name was changed to Savannah State College (September 1950).^[2]

President Payne died in August 1963 while in office.^[2]

Legacy

William K. Payne Hall, dedicated in 1966, is the home of English, Social Studies, Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Sociology departments.^[3]