In February 1928, the Virginia General Assembly appropriated approximately $200,000 for improvements of State Teachers College in Farmville, Virginia. Of this amount, $150,000 was used to construct a new dormitory. Construction of what would become the Cunningham dormitories began in early Spring 1928, located on Venable Hill. The dormitory consisted of sixty-eight rooms, a bath between each two rooms, and a closet for each girl in the residence hall. In addition, each floor had a sun parlor, a pressing room, and a kitchen on the second floor. The first floor especially was regarded as feeling like home, due to a large fireplace and classic furniture. Eleven years later, a new dormitory opened as a main building, attached to the previously-built Cunningham Hall. The plan was that the new building be the main section, and Cunningham Hall, as well as a projected future addition, be wings. The final wing of the Cunningham buildings was approved to be built in 1957, with construction costs around $562,700.
In 1958, South Cunningham Hall was completed. South Cunningham featured modern furnishing, a snack bar, a large recreation room, and a terrace on the roof. Many students were thrilled with the new dormitory. The Cunninghams, when opened, were for upperclassmen only. Each wing of the Cunninghams held about 200 students. When asked for their opinion of South Cunningham, one student replied “The new building is one of the best things that has happened in my four years at Longwood College. It is certainly a pleasure to live in such a modern place.” The final opening of the completed Cunninghams was well-received by many students. One senior was regarded saying “It’s just wonderful! For the first time since I’ve been here, I have plenty of space. The whole place is like a dream to me.” Alpha Sigma Alpha and Sigma Sigma Sigma sororities donated funds for landscaping South Cunningham, and the college financed the landscaping for the west and north sides.