Puryear Hall, a four-story, freshmen male residence hall was erected in 1959 and is named in honor of Rev. Thomas Puryear, a former Dean of Men, football and baseball coach at Virginia State University. Puryear Hall features an air-conditioned lobby and recreation room where students can relax. It also has laundry facilities and a computer lab with internet and word processing capabilities.

Residence Educators (RE), who are full‑time professional staff, are responsible for the overall supervision of the residence halls. Graduate Assistants (GA) and Residence Assistants (RA) function as para-professionals and assist the RE in their duties. Night Managers assist the RE with overnight coverage.