It was named after the founding chancellor of the university, Dean E. McHenry. The building, designed by architect John Carl Warnecke, was completed in 1968 and features a minimalist design intended to blend into its forest surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling glass set in coarse, granite-like concrete and exposed vertical columns suggestive of tree trunks.
It was designated in honor of the university's first chancellor, Dean E. McHenry. The building, designed by architect John Carl Warnecke, was finished in 1968 and boasts a simple design meant to harmonize with its woodland surroundings, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass set within rough, granite-like concrete and exposed vertical columns evoking tree trunks.