WILSON HALL
WILSON HALL erected in 1912 was the first residence hall for women -- students and faculty. Located east of the QUEEN E. WASHINGTON HEALTH SERVICE BUILDING, the dormitory was named in honor of the school's first Dean of Women, Mrs. Mary L. Wilson during the school year 1934-35. With the continued increase in enrollment the dormitory was enlarged between 1917-18 and 1921-29. From 1931-1964 WILSON HALL served as the home for freshman and sophomore women only. After undergoing several renovations and serving over fifty years as the home of young women and some faculty members, the building was closed in 1964. A new residence hall for young women was erected directly east of the GENTRY COMPLEX in 1964. The new dormitory was also named WILSON HALL.
Mary L. Wilson arrived on the campus of Tennessee A. and I. state Normal School in 1916. A West Indian, Mrs. Wilson studied at the State Normal School, Albany, New York, and at Columbia University. During her first year at the four-year-old Institution, she taught all the grades, followed in 1917 as a teacher of English and in 1918 as a teacher of mathematics. During this period, she also served as Dean of Women. From 1919 through 1930, Mrs. Wilson served only in the capacity as Dean of Women. During the academic year 1931-32, Mrs. Wilson served as Director of Social Activities.