Born on December 18, 1883, in Moody, Texas, Miss Laura Kuykendall stands as a pioneering educator whose impactful journey left an indelible mark on Southwestern University and its community.

In her early years, Laura faced adversity with the loss of her mother in January 1884. This early hardship, however, laid the foundation for her resilience and resourcefulness. Her father, Dr. Pere Moran Kuykendall, remarried, forming a close-knit blended family with Anna Bird McLeod, Pere Moran Kuykendall Jr., Charles Parker Kuykendall, and Laura herself.

Laura's educational pursuits began with a B.A. degree in oratory and gymnasium from North Texas Female College in 1903, followed by a graduation in expression from Southwestern University in 1904. Seeking further enrichment, she honed her skills in the Physical Education Department at Chautauqua, New York.

Embarking on a career in education, Laura's journey included roles as an assistant teacher of oratory and gymnasium at Southwestern, teaching at the Jefferson Academy, and instructing in the public schools of Moody. In 1911, she became an instructor at Coronal Institute in San Marcos, setting the stage for her impactful tenure in academia.

In 1914, Laura assumed the leadership of the Department of Expression at Southwestern, later appointed as Dean of Women in 1918 by Dr. C.M. Bishop, the university president. Defying classification, she displayed the courage to forge her own path, becoming an extraordinary figure known affectionately as "Miss Kirk."

Her influence extended beyond administrative roles, with Miss Kirk pioneering cherished Southwestern traditions such as the Dinner of the Golden Bowl, the Christmas Carol Service, and the May Fete. These became integral to campus life, fostering a sense of community among students.

Miss Kirk's untimely passing on April 30, 1935, at the age of 51, left a void felt throughout Southwestern. True to form, Miss Kirk had planned her own funeral. Her body laid in state inside the Woman's Building for two days prior to her funeral. The service was held in the main lobby of the Women’s Building, her home since it was constructed in 1926. A royal red carpet was spread from the door of the lobby to the hearse. Hundreds of girls dressed in pastel shades, each carrying a large armful of beautiful flowers, and standing serenely in front of boys in dark suits, lined up on each side of the carpet. The beautiful silver casket passed down the line of honor. It was borne by ten male students and had on its top a magnificent blanket of flowers from the Women’s Building girls. Dr. C.M. Bishop, president emeritus of Southwestern, gave the funeral address. He was assisted by President King Vivion, Ex-President J. Samuel Barcus, and Reverend Kenneth Pope, pastor of the FIrst Methodist Church of Georgetown. Immediately after the service, the funeral procession left for Moody, where internment was in the Moody Cemetery.

In May 1940, the Board of Trustees of Southwestern named the Women’s Building, Laura Kuykendall Hall, in memory of Miss Laura Kuykendall, Dean of Women at Southwestern University.