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 »
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 »
Women’s Basketball at Old Dominion University (ODU) has been a part of the institution since 1931, when it was known as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. The nickname for the women’s basketball team is the Lady Monarchs. Home basketball games take place at Chartway Arena at the Ted Constant Convocation… read more »
The Safe Space Committee at Old Dominion University (ODU) works with students, faculty, and staff to provide training to encourage an environment free from homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism. History Working closely with the Office of Intercultural Relations and the ODU Sexuality and Gender Alliance (ODU SAGA), the LGBTQ+ student organization, the Safe Space was established… read more »
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance is an annual celebration at Old Dominion University (ODU) to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during Black History Month in February. History In 1985, Old Dominion celebrated its first Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance by holding a march on Kaufman Mall, music by… read more »
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 »
Dorothy M. Doumar served as the first female Rector of the Old Dominion University (ODU) Board of Visitors from 1978 to 1982. History In 1972, Dorothy M. Doumar was appointed to the ODU Board of Visitors and served until 1983, including four years as Rector. As a member of the Board of Visitors, Doumar took… read more »
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 »
The Women’s Center at Old Dominion University (ODU) offers programs and events that promote gender equality and addresses the unique challenges women face when pursuing higher education. History The Women’s Center was established at ODU in 1976, making it one of the first of its kind in the nation. The original purpose of the center… read more »
The Women’s Caucus is a faculty and staff organization that aims to advance the welfare of women at Old Dominion University (ODU). History The Women’s Caucus was established in 1974 by Carolyn Rhodes, a professor in the Department of English, and Dorothy Johnson, a professor in the Department of History. The organization focuses on obtaining… read more »