The $5.5 million Gladys Woods Kemper Center for the Arts is the home for all visual, performing and communication arts programs at William Woods. Located in the center of campus, the building provides more than 41,000 square feet of classroom, studio and performance space for the Arts Division. Work began on the complex in early 1998 following an initial $1,000,000 grant from the William T. Kemper Foundation of Kansas City. One of the central features of the new Arts Center is the Mildred M. Cox Gallery, named in honor of the wife of the late Clark Cox, longtime university trustee. Adjacent to the new art complex is Dulany Auditorium, home of the WWU Theatre Program.

One of the unique features of the new complex is the extensive sculpted concrete walkways and courtyard areas that connect nearby buildings. The work, which took several months to complete, was created by California sculptor, Will Nettleship.