Harrelson Hall, built in 1961, was the first cylindrical classroom structure on a university campus. It is named after John William Harrelson who taught mathematics at the university for twenty years and... Harrelson Hall, built in 1961, was the first cylindrical classroom structure on a university campus. It is named after John William Harrelson who taught mathematics at the university for twenty years and headed the State Department of Conservation and Development. He became the first alumnus to lead NC State when he was named successor to Eugene Clyde Brooks (Brooks Hall) in 1934. Harrelson was the longest-serving of the university's presidents or chancellors, holding this office until 1953. Since the demolition of the old Bookstore in 2011, Harrelson Hall has been the temporary home of the NC State Bookstores.