Predating the university itself, Melrose is the oldest surviving structure on campus and one of the oldest buildings associated with any HBCU in the United States. Originally constructed as a farmhouse, it later became the President’s House and welcomed generations of university leaders. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Melrose provides a tangible link between the land’s pre-university history and Cheyney’s enduring legacy.

When this house was built, George Washington was serving as the first President of the United States. More than two centuries later, it remains part of Cheyney’s story.

Built with support from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Hall originally served as the university’s library and intellectual center. Its crown jewel, the Great Room, remains one of the most beautiful and historic spaces on campus. Today it houses important works of art and reflects Cheyney’s contributions to scholarship, culture, and the preservation of Black history. The building also provides a natural connection to the artistic legacies of Harry T. Burleigh and Laura Wheeler Waring.

Carnegie Hall represents the intersection of education, art, and culture at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ.

Originally constructed as the university’s gymnasium, Dudley Hall reflected Cheyney’s commitment to the physical, social, and cultural development of its students. Following renovations, the building evolved into a center for fine arts and performance, hosting concerts, theatrical productions, lectures, and cultural events. In 1997, it was renamed for Professor Mildred C. Dudley, whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the university community.

Dudley Hall tells two stories—first as the center of student athletics and later as a home for the arts—illustrating Cheyney’s commitment to educating the whole student.

Originally built as a men’s residence hall, Burleigh Hall was constructed and named by Cheyney State Teachers College during a period of institutional growth and campus expansion. The building bears the name of renowned composer Harry T. Burleigh, whose groundbreaking work helped bring African American spirituals to concert halls and audiences around the world, celebrating his lasting impact on American music and culture.

Burleigh Hall reflects an era of growth for Cheyney while also honoring the broader cultural contributions of African American artists whose work has left a lasting mark on the nation’s history.

Constructed during one of the university’s most significant periods of expansion, Biddle Hall served as both an academic and administrative facility. Today it remains the university’s primary administrative building. Its history reflects the leadership and vision of university presidents who guided Cheyney through periods of growth and transformation, including the influential presidency of Leslie Pinckney Hill.

Nearly a century after opening, Biddle Hall continues to serve as a center of leadership and decision-making for the nation’s first HBCU.

Named for founder Richard Humphreys, Humphreys Hall was among the first buildings constructed after Cheyney relocated from Philadelphia in 1902. Originally housing classrooms, dining facilities, student residences, and vocational training spaces, it quickly became the heart of campus life. The building stands as a physical realization of Humphreys’ 1837 vision to provide African Americans with educational opportunities equal to any in the nation.

This building serves as a direct connection between Cheyney’s founder and the university that grew from his remarkable gift.