Completed in late 1927 at a cost of $193,000 Spafford Hall provided Northern with a new gymnasium, swimming pool and classrooms. Its name honors Dr. Frederick A. Spafford, who, for many years, was president of the South Dakota Board of Regents. Today, Spafford Hall is home of the president's office, academic affairs, the President's Gallery, classrooms and offices for some of the Faculty aligned with the School of Fine Arts, art department, computer services, graduate office and ceramics studio. Spafford Hall also houses the Gladys and Edgar Light art collection on the first floor.