academics | Old Dominion University History Wiki

Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building

2022-08-30

The Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building is home to the Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences, the Department of Physics, and the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University (ODU). It is located between Elkhorn Avenue and the Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building (MGB). History The original, rectangular phase of the building opened in 1997 and houses the Department of Ocean and… read more »

Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library

2024-02-20

The Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library, or familiarly Perry Library, is the main library on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). It is located off 43rd Street between Albert Brooks Gornto, Jr. Hall and the 43rd Street Parking Garage. History By the early 1970s, the Hughes Library was running out of space to house all the… read more »

Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building (MGB)

2026-07-08

The Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building, or familiarly MGB, is home to the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Psychology, classrooms, and laboratory space. The building is located west of the Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library and next to the Pretlow Planetarium on the Old Dominion University (ODU) campus. History The Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building was built… read more »

Batten Arts and Letters Building (BAL)

2021-10-12

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

2026-07-08

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

2026-07-08

The Alfriend Building, previously known as the Alfriend Chemistry Building, was located between Webb University Center and Mills Godwin Life Sciences Building (MGB) on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU). The building was 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

2021-10-15

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

2021-10-12

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

2021-10-12

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

2024-08-29

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 »