Built in 1911, MacKay Hall was originally known as the Domestic Technology Building, and later the Home Economics Building, but has changed a lot over time. The original building was constructed with red bricks and consisted of what is currently the west wing.

It was realized a few years later that the original building was not big enough for growing enrollment. In 1924 the funds were allocated to add an addition, and in 1926 a facade and matching east wing were built to become what is known as Mackay Hall today.

The auditorium then was named after Dean Catherine J. Mackay, and later the whole building in 1957. Two more additions were built in 1955 which would later become LeBaron Hall.

According to the Special Archives, Catherine J. Mackay was born Feb 24, 1871 in Ontario, Canada. She had to end schooling at 16 and take care of her family due to the death of her mother. Later she would return to school receive her master’s degree.

Mackay arrived at the Iowa State College in 1911 and served as an assistant to the head of Domestic Science, Virgilia Purmport. That next year Mackay became the head, and in 1913 the department was renamed. This resulted in Catherine J. Mackay becoming the first Dean of Home Economics.

Mackay died in 1921.