Old Dominion University began its tradition of excellence when it was founded in 1930 by the College of William and Mary, the second oldest university in the United States. Established originally as an extension of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia, Old Dominion began educating teachers and engineers. The two-year school rapidly evolved into a full four-year college, and was granted independence in 1962 as Old Dominion College.

           Considerable growth in enrollment, the expansion of research facilities and preparation for the addition of graduate programs led the Board to approve the name change to Old Dominion University. Now Old Dominion is a powerhouse for higher education with six colleges: The College of Arts and Letters, The College of Business and Public Administration, The Darden College of Education, The College of Engineering and Technology, The College of Health Sciences and The College of Sciences. Old Dominion has been offering master's degrees since 1964 and Ph.D.s since 1971. Students currently choose from 70 baccalaureate programs, 60 master's programs, two education specialist programs and 36 doctoral programs. The University has achieved designation as a Research University (high research activity) from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

           Proud of its past, Old Dominion looks to the future and prides itself on its constantly expanding research and teaching programs. A constantly evolving university, Old Dominion is an agent of change for its students, for the region and the nation it serves. Old Dominion's motto, Portal to New Worlds, is particularly apt in describing a university which opens doors of discovery to new knowledge, ancient wisdom, the most modern science and cutting-edge technology, and the civic and cultural understanding needed by the leaders of tomorrow.