History and Heritage
Old Dominion University was founded in 1930 as a branch of the College of William & Mary. The university gained independence in 1962 and has since grown into a comprehensive research institution.
ODU has a rich history of innovation and excellence. The university was a pioneer in the field of distance learning, offering its first televised courses in 1966. ODU also played a significant role in the development of the internet, with its faculty members contributing to the creation of the ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet.
Founding and Early Years
ODU was founded in 1930 as a junior college known as Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. The university’s first classes were held in a former elementary school building in Norfolk.
