Smith Hall

The fifth major construction project of the 1960s was a high-rise dormitory for men, with Dan Stowers of Little Rock employed as architect. The Board awarded the contract on March 1, 1965, to Ernest J. Ward, Incorporated, of Benton, with a base bid of $1,357,531. This high-rise dormitory was built on a lot 75 feet by 290 feet, which Henderson had purchased on June 13, 1964, from Mrs. Josephine T. Walton, survivor and widow of William I. Walton.

Located on Twelfth Street on the west campus, the nine-story dormitory of red brick faced east toward the campus. It was "an ultra-modern, completely air-conditioned" building designed to house 448 men. It had two elevators "for easy access to any floor." The dormitory contained lounges, recreational areas, laundry facilities, and administrative offices. The dormitory was ready for use in the summer of 1966. On July 20, 1965, the Board named the new residence unit Smith Hall in honor of H. Grady Smith, business manager of Henderson from 1916 until his retirement in 1965 after 49 years of service to the College.

In the fall of 1970, in order to equalize air-conditioning facilities for men and women, Henderson changed Smith Hall, previously a men's dormitory, to housing for freshman women and a few other women in the Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Classes. During the summer, the College had spent about $10,000 for the conversion of bathrooms in Smith Hall.

In the fall of 2022, Smith Hall became a coed dormitory when Newberry Hall, formerly the men's dormitory, was abandoned for eventual sale or demolition.