William Oscar Payne (January 10, 1879 – March 24, 1944) was a longtime professor of history at the University of Georgia.
After his graduation in 1902, Payne became an assistant in the history department at the University of Georgia.
In 1936, he succeeded Herman Stegeman as athletic director at the University of Georgia.
From 1911 until his death, Payne served the Delta chapter of Sigma Chi as faculty advisor.
Payne Hall at the University of Georgia is named in his honor.