Spence Hall is named after David Wendal Spence and was constructed in 1939. Professor Spence was a native of Austin, Texas. He graduated in 1889 from the University of Texas with a bachelors of science degree. He continued his graduate work in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the University of Michigan. In August of 1892, Professor Spence accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and Physics and of Drawing at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. In 1899, he became the Professor of Physics in the same college. On June 28, 1917, Professor Spence passed away after 15 years of service as the Dean of the School of Engineering.