Using Indiana Limestone, the building was finished in 1940 by the Manhattan Construction Company of Muskogee, OK.

The building then came to house the Graduate School, the department of geosciences, and the nursing program.

Gearhart Hall was expanded over the approximate location of the old Commerce Building.

The three-year project, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects was completed in 2014.

As part of the expansion, the remaining classrooms also received restoration and updating.