This page features the periodic postings from President John R. Broderick. Learn more about ODU and glimpse a day in the life of a college president.

Navigating the Storm

November 16, 2009

The Nor'easter of November certainly wreaked havoc on much of Hampton Roads and, to some extent, the Old Dominion University campus.

As I look out the window today and see sunshine and blue skies, I must express my gratitude to so many who worked throughout the storm and over the weekend to ensure the safety and comfort of our students and to keep campus facilities functioning.

A More Meaningful Homecoming

November 3, 2009

Homecoming 2009 is underway at Old Dominion University and, with its tie to football for the first time in more than 60 years, there is a palpable excitement and energy on campus.

But it is a project, embraced by all segments of our university community, that best illustrates the spirit of Old Dominion and gives a tangible component to the idea of Homecoming.

Listen and Learn

October 7, 2009

"The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people."  ~Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States of America

This week, I hosted my final Monarch Morning chat session - albeit this one was held in the afternoon - with faculty and staff at Old Dominion University's distance learning sites and higher education centers in Virginia Beach, Hampton and Portsmouth. It capped my two-month-long tour of 19 different colleges and administrative areas to hear the collective and individual voices of nearly 700 people whose dedication and service make ODU the excellent institution it is.

Monarch Pride is in the Air!

September 4, 2009

Tomorrow, football begins anew at Old Dominion University.

Engaging Alumni in ODU's Reputation

July 27, 2009

Most weekends, a college president spends time doing some type of institutional business and this past Saturday, July 25, was no exception for me.  Former Old Dominion University Alumni Association Board president, Steve Winter, and his wife, Lynne, hosted my wife, Kate, and me for a lovely reception and dinner in their Virginia Beach home with several other former Alumni Association presidents.