Originally called the household arts building, and later the home economics building, Harvey Hall was first occupied in 1916 and has undergone many changes since. Through the years, it housed the schools of Home Economics, Education and Human Services, and Liberal Studies.
Today the building is headquarters for the College of Arts and Sciences, including office and classroom space for liberal studies. A 600-seat auditorium is home to Stout's theatre company.
Lorenzo Dow Harvey devoted most of his life to education and held many influential offices including president of the state normal schools in Milwaukee, state superintendent of public instruction, and president of the National Education Association. Harvey came to Menomonie in 1903 to head up the Stout Manual Training schools and serve as superintendent of the public school system. To simplify administration of the various Stout enterprises, the Stout Institute was created in 1908, and Harvey became its first president and served in that role until his death in 1922.
An experienced educator and administrator, Harvey was well suited to his role as president. He held a strong belief in the merits of manual training, domestic science, art and physical education. His reputation and influence aided in making vocational training an accredited part of education.