Runnals Union, named after Ninetta May Runnals (Dean of Women from 1920 to 1949), is located on the south end of campus near the Foss residence hall and is home to the Department of Theater and Dance. This magnificent building was built in 1939 and housed sorority meeting rooms and the women's gymnasium for about thirty five years. In 1976 the building was remodeled and Strider Theater was constructed where the gymnasium once stood. In 1984, the Performing Arts Program (now Theater and Dance) was founded with a course of study including a sixteen course, interdisciplinary major. The founding of the Performing Arts Program coincided with the end of fraternities and sororities on campus so Runnals Union became the Runnals Performing Arts Center. At this time the sorority meeting rooms became offices and classrooms for a growing academic program in the performing arts.