Old Dominion University | Old Dominion University History Wiki

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 »

Women’s and Gender Equity Center

2026-02-10

The Women’s and Gender Equity 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… read more »

Women’s Caucus

2024-04-10

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 »

Kappa Alpha Psi, Eta Omega Chapter

2020-04-06

The Eta Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi was chartered in 1975 at Old Dominion University (ODU), making it the first African American fraternity on campus. Resources Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at ODU Timeline, Old Dominion University Libraries Digital Exhibit, 2016-present. Fraternities and Sororities at ODU. References Bookman, Steven and Jessica Ritchie. Old Dominion University:… read more »

Delta Sigma Theta, Lambda Eta Chapter

2020-04-06

The Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta was established in 1974 as the first African American sorority at Old Dominion University (ODU). The chapter was suspended in 2012 and returned to good standing in January 2020. Resources Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at ODU Timeline, Old Dominion University Libraries Digital Exhibit, 2016-present. References Bookman, Steven… 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 »

Dr. Milton Reid

2021-10-11

Dr. Milton Reid, a Norfolk preacher, served as the first known African American member of the Board of Visitors at Old Dominion University (ODU). ODU and Personal Accomplishments Dr. Milton Reid, a Norfolk preacher, civil rights activist, and newspaper publisher, served as the first African American member of the ODU Board of Visitors from 1970… read more »

Ronald Horne

2021-10-08

Ronald Horne was the first African American to receive a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University (ODU). Old Dominion Accomplishments Ronald Horne came to Old Dominion College in 1965, making him one of the first African Americans to enroll at the college after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened the doors for more African… 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 »