Old Dominion University

Biography

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia. It was established in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary and is now one of the largest universities in Virginia with an enrollment of 24,176 students for the 2019 academic year. Old Dominion University is also home to over 700 international students from 89 different countries. Old Dominion University is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". According to the National Science Foundation, ODU spent $60.3 million on research and development in 2018. It contributes nearly $2 billion annually in economic impact to the regional economy. The university offers 168 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to over 24,000 students and is one of the nation's largest providers of online distance learning courses. Old Dominion University has approximately 124,000 alumni in all 50 states and 67 countries. ODU Esports was founded in fall 2020 as the first varsity program at a 4-year public university in Virginia. In April 2021, ODU opened the Monarch Esports Arena in Webb Center. The Monarch Esports Arena features 50 gaming PCs competitions, practices, and drop-in use, as well as a broadcast suite for live streaming competitions. Additionally, the MEA has a console space for social gaming.