Andrew Phillip Payne

Florida Southern College has appointed Andrew Phillip Payne as the founding dean of its new School of Architecture, the college announced Wednesday.

Payne, an experienced administrator and teacher, recently served as dean and professor of architecture at Kennesaw State University College of Architecture and Construction Management, the college said.

The School of Architecture will open this fall semester, when it will welcome its inaugural class of undergraduate architecture degree students.

A graduate architecture degree program will be forthcoming, according to the college.

“Students will benefit from a unique blend of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and a deep appreciation for architectural heritage,” FSC said.

“With Florida Southern being home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the campus will provide an unparalleled environment for immersive study, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including design studios, fabrication labs, and a research center.”

Payne, in the college’s announcement, said he sees “great opportunities for innovative teaching and learning in a highly engaging setting.”

Until 2019, Payne led the Department of Built Environment at Indiana State University, serving as chair and professor, the college said. Prior to joining Indiana State University, he was a professor of architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design . Before Savannah, he was an assistant researcher with the Center for Universal Design at NC State University, where he also completed his Ph.D. in design, focusing on way-finding by visually impaired pedestrians.

“His leadership experience, commitment to student-centered architecture education, and a distinguished record of innovation and collaboration make him an extraordinary addition to our academic community at FSC,” said Tracey Tedder, provost and vice president of academic affairs.

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Robert Meyerowitz has been a reporter, editor and foreign correspondent. He covered Central America and the Middle East, he was the cofounder and editor of the Anchorage Press in Alaska, and he taught journalism at the University of Alaska. He comes to Lakeland from Park City, Utah, where he edited The Park Record.

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