Upon their opening in the early 1960s, both dorms were regulated to women-only, though each became coed in subsequent years. Each dorm also was home to its own cafeteria, or dining hall. During the 1960s, students enjoyed the art of soapbox car racing – creating their cars and then piloting them down the steep incline outside the building’s western entrances.

In 2006, Kirkley underwent internal renovations to house various administrative offices including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the University Advancement Phonathon and other programs formerly located in the vacated Frels and Wilson buildings.  Smith Hall, while maintained as living quarters, was not scheduled for use unless it was needed for an overflow of students.  It was accommodating an extra 200 students at the start of the Fall 2006 semester.

The Campus Master Plan update in the September 2004 President's Update notes the building is set for eventual demolition before the end of the decade.