academics | Old Dominion University History Wiki

Batten Arts and Letters Building (BAL)

The Batten Arts and Letters Building, or BAL for short, is the tallest building at Old Dominion University (ODU) and houses the College of Arts and Letters departments and offices as well as classroom space and computer labs.  It is located off Hampton Boulevard between 44th and 45th Streets. History Construction on BAL started in 1971 and was completed… read more »

Pretlow Planetarium

The Pretlow Planetarium is located between the Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building (MGB) and the Alfriend Building on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). Operated by the Department of Physics, the planetarium offers ODU faculty, staff, and students, as well as the Hampton Roads community, a chance to explore space. Screenings of what is currently in the night… read more »

Alfriend Building

The Alfriend Building, previously known as the Alfriend Chemistry Building, is located between Webb University Center and Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building (MGB) on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). The building is named after John S. Alfriend, a member of President Lewis W. Webb, Jr.’s Advisory Board from 1947 to 1962 and president of the Old Dominion Educational… read more »

Monarch Hall

Monarch Hall is one of the six buildings that surround Kaufman Mall on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). It is currently used as an administrative building housing various Information Technology Services (ITS) and Student Engagement and Enrollment Services (SEES) offices. History Monarch Hall, formerly the Education Building, was home to the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies… read more »

Kaufman Hall

Kaufman Hall is one of the six buildings that surround Kaufman Mall on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). It is located on the west side of the mall between Webb University Center and Monarch Hall. The building is named after Charles Kaufman, a Norfolk lawyer and strong proponent of Old Dominion’s independence. History Dedicated in 1965, Kaufman… read more »

Constant Hall

Constant Hall is one of the six buildings that surround Kaufman Mall on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). It is located on the east side of the mall between the Visual Arts Building (VAB) and Webb University Center. It is home to the Strome College of Business. History Dedicated in 1963, the building was originally named J.A.C. Chandler… read more »

Health Sciences Building

The Health Sciences Building is located on Hampton Boulevard between 46th Street and 47th Street. It was home to the College of Health Sciences from 2006 to 2024. The building features classrooms, office space for the college and its faculty, clinics for dental hygiene and physical therapy, and the University Theatre. History Opened in 1959, the building was… read more »

Department of Communication and Theatre Arts

The Department of Communication and Theatre Arts at Old Dominion University (ODU) is one of the departments in the College of Arts and Letters. The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance. History At the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary, theater productions were mostly produced… read more »

Donald A. Myers

Donald A. Myers (1932-2019) served as the Dean of the Darden School of Education, now the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, and was chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, later the Department of Teaching and Learning at Old Dominion University (ODU). Dr. Myers grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his undergraduate degree from… read more »

A. Rufus Tonelson Faculty Award

The A. Rufus Tonelson Faculty Award is given annually to faculty for outstanding achievement in teaching, research, and service at Old Dominion University (ODU).  The recipient receives $2,000, a campus parking pass for one year, and a framed certificate. Established in 1978, the award is in honor of Alan Rufus Tonelson, class of 1933, one of the… read more »

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