One of Winthrop's finer examples of the Neo-Georgian architectural style, Joynes was the first building on the north side of campus, setting stylistic precedents for later buildings, including nearby Thurmond. Joynes was used originally as a residence hall for single faculty members. For a time, it housed international students and later was the Joynes Conference Center for Continuing Education. Its namesake was Dr. Edward S. Joynes, charter member of the Board of Trustees and one of the guiding forces behind Winthrop's founding in 1886. In 1989, the building was renamed Joynes Hall and served as the Winthrop Conference Center until 2003. It is currently home to the Office of Admissions and serves a welcome center for visitors to campus.