Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, an extension school of the College of William & Mary for working professionals, members of the military, and non-traditional students in Norfolk-Virginia Beach area of the Hampton Roads region. The university has since expanded into a residential college for traditional students and is one of the largest universities in Virginia with an enrollment of 23,494 students for the 2023 academic year. The university also enrolls over 600 international students from 99 countries. Its main campus covers 250 acres (1.0 km2) straddling the city neighborhoods of Larchmont, Highland Park, and Lambert's Point, approximately five miles (8.0 km) north of Downtown Norfolk along the Elizabeth River.
Former names | Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary (1930–1962) Old Dominion College (1962–1969) |
|---|---|
| Type | Public research university |
| Established | March 13, 1930 |
| Accreditation | SACS |
Academic affiliations | |
| Endowment | $265.8 million (2020) |
| President | Brian Hemphill |
Academic staff | 867 |
| Students | 23,494 |
| Undergraduates | 16,678 |
| Postgraduates | 4,816 |
| Location | , , United States 36°53′12″N 76°18′19″W |
| Campus | Midsize city, 251 acres (1.02 km2) |
| Other campuses | |
| Newspaper | Mace & Crown |
| Colors | Monarch Blue Silver Reign Sky Blue |
| Nickname | Monarchs |
Sporting affiliations | |
| Mascot | Big Blue |
| Website | www |
The university offers 175 undergraduate and graduate degree programs from seven colleges and three schools. Deriving its name from one of Virginia's state nicknames, "The Old Dominion", given to the state by King Charles II of England for remaining loyal to the crown during the English Civil War, Old Dominion has approximately 165,000 alumni in all 50 states and 67 countries.
Old Dominion University is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". According to the National Science Foundation, ODU spent $73.6 million on research and development in 2021.