In 1977, the Lineberger Foundation pledged $1 million to a building fund for a new cancer research center building This gift spurred others to contribute, and more than $4 million was raised. This funding provided the core financing for the original three-story research building that opened in 1984.

The Center was named for the Lineberger family of Belmont, NC ﾖ pioneers in the textile industry with a long, distinguished association with the University.