Dear Monarch Nation:

Earlier today, Governor Ralph Northam released details regarding his introduced budget for the next biennium, which will begin on July 1, 2022 and conclude on June 30, 2024. The budget, to be reviewed and finalized during the 2022 session of the General Assembly, provides for a number of investments in higher education generally and Old Dominion University (ODU) specifically.

For ODU, the budget includes an increase in base funding of $10.1 million in both FY 2023 and FY 2024, which is slated to continue in future budget cycles. For student financial aid, an additional $3.2 million in FY 2023 and $20.9 million in FY 2024 are proposed. The Governor's budget also provides $1.5 million in both FY 2023 and FY 2024 for a new Maritime Center for Mission Engineering Solutions and Workforce Training.

When examining the capital projects and related funding, ODU is slated for full funding of the Biology Building at $128 million, which is the largest capital project in history of the University, as well as detailed planning for the Data Sciences and Computer Engineering Building at $6 million. The Governor also included $5.4 million in equipment funding for the Health Sciences Building and $2.5 million in renovation funds for Rollins Hall.

I would like to thank Governor Northam for his strong support of education and opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. During his tenure, ODU has received significant support and increased investments in our infrastructure, our programs, and our students. We have sincerely appreciated his advocacy and support in championing both the accessibility and quality of the Monarch experience.

The final outcomes of this biennial process will be available in March of 2022. I look forward to further dialogue and engagement with members of the General Assembly, as well as Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin and his administration, as we share the great work and continued needs of ODU. Beginning in January with the start of the 2022 session and as the budget process evolves, periodic updates will be shared with the campus.

With Monarch Pride,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President