The first phase of Cheatham Hall was built in 1972, to provide new classroom, laboratory, and office space for the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, then a division of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Constructed at a cost of $1.67 million, the building offered classrooms and offices, all of which boasted paneled walls of different species donated by forest industry companies. The building was dedicated May 5, 1972.
The second phase was completed in 2003. The three-story addition was attached to the south end of the building and added an entranceway with a lobby and gathering area.