academics | Old Dominion University History Wiki

Chemistry Building

2022-07-15

The Chemistry Building houses the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Old Dominion University (ODU). The building is located off Elkhorn Avenue between the Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building and the Jim Jarret Athletic Administration Building. History In 2019, construction began on the Chemistry Building to replace the Alfriend Chemistry Building, which had been the… read more »

Public Administration

2021-10-13

The Master of Public Administration is one of the degree programs in the School of Public Service, located in the Strome College of Business. The program is for those that have in interest in working in government and non-profit agencies. The degree currently consists of 39 credit hours. History 1958 June: The first Certificate in… read more »

Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics

2022-04-07

The Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics is one of several research centers at Old Dominion University (ODU). The center seeks to understand how pulsed electromagnetic fields and cold ionized gases interact with biological cells to provide more understanding in the fields of biotechnology, medical diagnostics and therapeutics, industrial processing and sterilization, and environmental remediation…. read more »

Samantha Salvia

2020-06-09

Samantha Salvia became the first Rhodes Scholar at Old Dominion University (ODU) in 1995. History When Samantha Salvia arrived at ODU in 1992, she was an all-star standout in field hockey and lacrosse. During her field hockey career at ODU, Salvia earned CAA Scholar Athlete of the Year and first team All-CAA honors, was a… read more »

Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences

2021-04-01

The Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences is one of the departments that make up the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University (ODU). Most of the classes take place in the Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building. History The oceanography program began as the Oceanography Laboratory in 1960. In 1965, the Institute of Oceanography was… read more »

Ulysses V. Spiva

2021-10-13

Ulysses V. Spiva served as the first African American dean at Old Dominion University (ODU) from 1979 to 1984. He received his degrees from Tennessee State University, Case Western Reserve University and Stanford University. Before ODU, Spiva served as a principal in Cleveland and held positions at Florida International University and Nova University. Old Dominion… read more »

Old Dominion-Norfolk State Merger

2021-11-16

To help with eliminating duplication of programs between Old Dominion University (ODU) and Norfolk State College, the federal government suggested the merger of the two institutions in 1978. History During segregation in Norfolk, African American students were sent to Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now Norfolk State University, to complete their undergraduate education. After… read more »

Dennis J. Zeisler

2020-04-06

Dennis J. Zeisler (1947-2020) was a music instructor at Old Dominion University (ODU) from 1979 until his retirement in 2018. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music, both from the University of Michigan. Service to Old Dominion and Profession While at ODU, Zeisler served as chair of the Department of Music for 15… read more »

Dr. Louis H. Janda

2021-10-13

Dr. Louis H. Janda, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Old Dominion University (ODU), died on March 24, 2020 at the age of 73. Dr. Janda taught at ODU from 1973 until his retirement as Associate Professor Emeritus in 2016. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 1969, his Master… read more »

Alexander Brooks “A.B.” Jackson

2021-10-13

Alexander Brooks “A.B.” Jackson was the first African American professor at Old Dominion University (ODU). ODU and Personal Accomplishments Jackson taught art at Old Dominion from 1967 until his death in 1981. Previously the chair of the Art Department at the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now Norfolk State University, Jackson specialized in painting,… read more »