Located in historic Norfolk, Virginia, the 188 acres of the Old Dominion University campus stretch from the Elizabeth River to the Lafayette River. Although situated in a metropolitan setting, Old Dominion University is similar to that of other Virginia colleges, offering a small-college look and feel, with tree-lined walkways, a mix of old and new buildings, and colorful gardens and ponds. Founded in 1930 as a division of the College of William and Mary, Old Dominion has grown into its own over the years.

Many of the academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level are nationally ranked. The success of any academic program, however, is really about people. Old Dominion University faculty have captured Virginia Professor of the Year, Virginia Scientist of the Year and numerous Fulbright awards, while students have been named a Rhodes Scholar, a Truman Fellow and USA Today Academic All-Americans.

In addition, Old Dominion University has been credited as being a leader among Virginia colleges in both creating new jobs and retaining current ones. The Technology Applications Center, the Entrepreneurial Center, the wind tunnel at NASA Langley and the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center represent some of the various ways Old Dominion connects with the region. Old Dominion University is also developing a Research Park near the Ted Constant Convocation Center.