The former Life Sciences Building, with its trademark greenhouse on the roof, opened in 1973. It was designed to respond to the huge influx of students the university experienced when it became Wichita State University. Life Sciences contained facilities for the biological sciences, classrooms, and five lecture halls ranging in size from 150 seats to 500 seats. At that point the university did not have a lecture hall seating more than 50 students, and both Wilner Auditorium and Miller Concert Hall were used for large classes.

Later, the building was named for R. Dee Hubbard in recognition for his contributions to the university.