ODU | Old Dominion University History Wiki

MAGLEV

2021-10-12

Built between 2001 and 2003, the innovative MAGLEV (magnetic levitation) transportation system at Old Dominion University (ODU) was designed as a proposed solution to growing transportation issues in the United States. The system, made up of a train-like vehicle suspended on a cushion of air above an elevated track through an electromagnetic field, stretches from Powhatan Avenue to University… read more »

Frank Batten

2021-10-08

Frank Batten served as a member of the Board of Visitors of Old Dominion University (ODU), from 1962 to 1973, and was the first Rector of the Board of Visitors from 1962-1970. From 1955-1962, Batten was a member of Director Lewis W. Webb, Jr.’s Advisory Board which advised Webb on administrative members and helped to raise… read more »

Dr. Hugo A. Owens, Sr.

2021-10-08

Dr. Hugo A. Owens served on the Board of Visitors at Old Dominion University (ODU) from 1990-1994, becoming the first African American Rector during the 1992-1993 fiscal year. Service to Hampton Roads and ODU Born on January 21, 1916 in Portsmouth, Virginia, he attended I.C. Norcom High School and Virginia State College. After graduation, he began to teach… read more »

Margaret Simmons

2021-10-13

Margaret Simmons was the first African American to earn a degree from Old Dominion University (ODU). A student in the Master of English program at Old Dominion, Simmons received her degree in 1966 among the first graduates to received their master’s degrees. After graduation, Simmons received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and was… read more »

University Seal

2023-11-10

When Old Dominion University (ODU) became independent in 1962, one of the first orders of business was to create a seal, or coat of arms, for the new college. Adopted in 1963, the seal incorporates the history and origin of Virginia. The central portion of the seal is a modified version of the royal arms… read more »

S.B. Ballard Stadium

2022-08-30

S.B. Ballard Stadium, located off 49th Street, is home to the Old Dominion University (ODU) football team. The stadium is named after S.B. Ballard Construction Company, a long-time ODU benefactor. History Backing for a sports stadium at the Norfolk Division was approved in 1935 from municipal funds, the Virginia Emergency Relief Administration, and the Works… read more »

Alfred B. Rollins, Jr. Hall

2021-10-12

Located on Hampton Boulevard between William B. Spong, Jr. Hall and Foreman Field, Alfred B. Rollins, Jr. Hall, or simply Rollins Hall, is currently home to several offices including the Office of Finance, University Registrar, Financial Aid, and Office of Admissions. The building is named after Alfred B. Rollins, Jr, third president of Old Dominion University (ODU). The building… read more »

Darden College of Education and Professional Studies

2023-04-25

The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies is one of the colleges at Old Dominion University. Located in the state-of-the-art Education Building at the corner of 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard, the college is named after Colgate Darden, Jr., U.S. Representative from Virginia (1933-37, 1939-1941), Governor of Virginia (1942-1946), Chancellor of the College of William & Mary (1946-1947),… read more »

H. Edgar Timmerman

2023-01-13

Appointed the first director of the Norfolk Division, H. Edgar Timmerman was just 29 when he came to Norfolk in the fall of 1930. Prior to the appointment, Timmerman was a doctoral candidate at Columbia University and an instructor in the History Department at New York University. He was well liked by both students and faculty… read more »

John R. Broderick

2021-10-01

John R. Broderick became the eighth president of Old Dominion University following the resignation of Roseann Runte in 2008. President Broderick was a champion for inclusiveness at Old Dominion. He implemented a reorganization of the Office of Affirmative Action into the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, created the Office of Intercultural Relations, and set up the President’s… read more »