In 1932, Dawson Hall was constructed to house the newly created School of Home Economics at the University of Georgia. The School was created by the merger of the Division of Home Economics of the Georgia College of Agriculture and the Department of Home Economics of the State Normal School of Athens in 1931.

During its history, Dawson Hall has served as a classroom facility, provided administrative and faculty offices, and housed teaching and research laboratories. It briefly housed Navy cadets participating in the Preflight school during World War II. In response to the increasing demand for Family and Consumer Sciences programs, an annex, Speirs Hall, was opened in 1971. The current entrance, respectfully referred to as “Pou’s Pillars” in honor of the late Dean Emily Quinn Pou, was erected in 1982. These majestic columns now serve as the official entrance for Dawson Hall.