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

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

The first modern era building program was started during Payne’s tenure as President.

[2] Additionally, it was during his term that the institution’s name was changed to Savannah State College (September 1950).

Currently, the building houses the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures.