Ohio University facts for kids
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| Latin: Universitas Ohiensis | |
| Motto | Religio Doctrina Civilitas, Prae Omnibus Virtus (Latin) |
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Motto in English
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"Religion, Learning, Civility; Above All, Virtue" |
| Type | Public research university |
| Established | February 18, 1804 |
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Parent institution
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University System of Ohio |
| Accreditation | HLC |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $714.4 million (2023) |
| President | Lori Stewart Gonzalez |
| Provost | Elizabeth Sayrs |
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Academic staff
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1,970 |
| Students | 18,502 (Athens) 28,270 (all campuses) |
| Undergraduates | 14,346 (Athens) 18,293 (all campuses) |
| Postgraduates | 4,156 (Athens) 998 (Medical school) 5,154 (all campuses) |
| Location |
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United States
39°19′26″N 82°06′07″W / 39.324°N 82.102°W |
| Campus | Distant town, 1,850 acres (750 ha) |
| Other campuses |
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| Newspaper | The Post |
| Colors | Cutler Green & Cupola White |
| Nickname | Bobcats |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division I FBS – MAC |
| Mascot | Rufus the Bobcat |
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Ohio University, often called Ohio or OU, is a public university with its main campus in Athens, Ohio. It was the very first university allowed by the U.S. Congress and the first to be started in Ohio. The university was officially approved in 1787 and opened its doors to students in 1809.
Ohio University has nine campuses and many different colleges. It offers over 250 areas of study for students, including degrees like bachelor's, master's, and doctorates. The university is known for its high level of research activity. In Fall 2020, about 18,000 students attended the main campus in Athens, and over 30,000 students were enrolled across all campuses.
The university's sports teams are called the Bobcats. They compete in Division I sports as part of the Mid-American Conference. The football team has played in 16 bowl games. The men's basketball team has been in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament 14 times, most recently in 2021.
Discovering Ohio University's Past
How Ohio University Began
George Washington once said that the settlement of southeastern Ohio was carefully planned by "wise, prudent, and patriotic men." Ohio University was the first school to be officially started by the U.S. Congress. This was done to encourage education. The 1787 law that created it said: "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." This important phrase is carved on the university's main gateway.
The idea for the university came from Manasseh Cutler and Rufus Putnam. Cutler was a chaplain in George Washington's army. Putnam was a general in the Revolutionary War and one of the first leaders of the university. The school was first called American Western University. In 1797, settlers chose Athens as the location because it was between the capital, Chillicothe, and Marietta. Ohio University was officially recognized by the state on February 18, 1804. The first three students joined in 1809, and the first two bachelor's degrees were given out in 1815.
Ohio University's Growth Over Time
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Ohio University was closed for a short time between 1843 and 1848. Women were first allowed to attend the university in 1868. In 1874, the state created Ohio State University in Columbus. Some people suggested that Ohio University should become a smaller school, but a new law in 1896 made sure the state would continue to support Ohio University every year.
The 1900s brought a lot of growth. Between 1955 and 1970, the number of undergraduate students tripled from 7,000 to 20,000. During this time, 25 new dorms were built, along with radio and TV stations, research buildings, and the 13,000-seat Convocation Center arena. Ohio University is now one of the largest residential college campuses in the United States.
In 1935, Ohio University changed its two colleges into five. It added colleges for Business, Fine Arts, and Applied Science. The graduate college started in 1936, and the first PhD program began in chemistry in 1956. The university also started opening smaller campuses around southeast Ohio. The first one, Ohio University – Chillicothe, opened in 1946 to help with overcrowding after World War II.
In 1964, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson first talked about his "Great Society" plan at Ohio University, which brought the school national attention. In 1975, Ohio University started its medical school, the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. This is the only medical school in Ohio that offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. In 1979, Chubu University of Japan gave 175 cherry trees to Ohio University. The Ohio University Innovation Center, which helps new technology businesses, started in 1983. In 2012, Ohio University changed its academic calendar from quarters to semesters.
Exploring Ohio University Campuses
Athens Main Campus
The main campus is in Athens, Ohio, next to the Hocking River. The buildings here have an old American style, like those found in New England. Campus development started in 1812 with the building of Manasseh Cutler Hall. This building is a national landmark and has university chimes that ring every half hour. The original bell, which is one of the oldest university bells in America, used to signal the start and end of the school day.
College Green Area
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The historic College Green is the central grassy area of the campus. It is home to important buildings like Manasseh Cutler Hall, which houses the President's Office. Other buildings include Wilson Hall, for the College of Arts & Sciences, and McGuffey Hall. These original buildings still look much like they did over 200 years ago. The College Green also has Galbreath Chapel, which has a spire like a church in London.
Other buildings on College Green include Chubb Hall, where you can find Undergraduate Admissions, and Ellis Hall, which has departments like English and Philosophy. Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium is also here. The University Sundial, built in 1907, shows where the first university building once stood. The College Green has two main entrances: Alumni Gateway, built in 1915, and the newer College Gate from the 1960s. A tradition for new students is to march onto the College Green through the College Gate during convocation.
Baker University Center
The John Calhoun Baker University Center opened in 2007 and is named after a former university president. It's the main gathering spot on campus. The building has a classic red brick and white column look on the outside, but a modern style inside with high ceilings. It has a large food court called West 82, a bistro called Latitude 39, and a Grand Ballroom. You can also find The Honors Collegium, The Wall of Presidents, and the Bobcat Student Lounge here.
The Baker Center also has a shop called Bobcat Depot, a theater, study areas, and computer labs. The Front Room is a popular coffee house on the fourth floor, with a stage and a fireplace. It has an outdoor terrace that looks out onto the street. Other useful places include a U.S. Post Office and the Trisolini Art Gallery.
Alden Library
| Ohio University Libraries | |
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| Established | 1814 |
| Location | Athens, Ohio |
| Collection | |
| Size | 4 million+ volumes |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | Over 20,000 |
| Other information | |
| Staff | over 100 |
| Website | https://www.ohio.edu/library/ |
Vernon R. Alden Library is the main library on the Athens campus. There are also smaller libraries in other academic buildings. University librarians are experts in different subjects and help students with their research. Many courses require students to use the library and work with librarians for their writing.
Alden Library has over 4 million printed books and many other materials, making it one of the largest libraries in the U.S. In 1971, it was the first library in the world to create an electronic record for its books. The library also has special collections of rare books, including a 14th-century Gutenberg Bible. Laptops are available to borrow. Outside the library, Wolfe Garden is a small area shaped like the State of Ohio, with native plants.
East Green Area
East Green has twelve residence halls. This is the oldest residential area on campus and has some of the steepest paths, like Morton Hill and Jefferson Hill. These paths give students easy access to classrooms. East Green also has Shively Court, a recently updated dining hall.
A new addition to East Green is Jefferson Marketplace, which offers different food options:
- Brick City Deli, a New York-style deli.
- The Ohio Café, serving Peet's Coffee.
- Steeped & Stirred, a tea and coffee room.
- The Culinary Studio, a kitchen for cooking demonstrations.
- Veggie Butcher and Juiced, where you can get fresh produce cut or juiced.
- A campus grocery market with food, drinks, and school supplies.
South Green Area
South Green is located near Emeriti Park and along the Hocking River. It has eighteen residence halls, with four new ones added in 2015. South Green is home to several important facilities:
- Nelson Court, the university's biggest dining hall, with a market and coffee shop.
- Peden Stadium, the university's football field. It is the oldest football venue in the Mid-American Conference and an Official Ohio Historical Site.
- Bird Ice Arena, where the Ohio University hockey team plays.
- Ohio University Aquatic Center, home to the swimming and diving teams.
Ping Recreation Center
The Charles J. Ping Recreation Center is one of the largest sports facilities in the country. It covers 168,000 square feet across three floors. Ping Center has a 36-foot climbing wall, five basketball/volleyball courts, two gymnasiums, an indoor running track, eight racquetball courts, and a glass fitness area. It also has weight rooms, cardio equipment, and offers fitness classes. The center is named after Charles J. Ping, the 18th president of Ohio University.
West Green Area
West Green includes buildings on the western side of the Athens campus. The Ohio Athletic Mall is in this area, with fields for lacrosse, baseball, and track. Along the Hocking River, there are sakura (cherry) trees, a gift from Chubu University of Japan. Japanese students hold an annual "Sakura Festival" to celebrate the blooming trees. Nearby Bicentennial Park features a landscape artwork called Input by artist Maya Lin.
The Stocker Center, which houses the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, is a key building on the West Green.
There are eight residence halls on West Green. This area also includes:
- The District on West Green, a dining hall with options for special diets.
- Academic and Research Center.
- Ohio Softball Field, home to the softball team.
- Goldsberry Track, home to the track and field teams.
- Bob Wren Stadium, home to the baseball team.
- Chessa Field, home to the women's soccer team.
- Pruitt Field, home to the field hockey team.
Other Campus Facilities
- The Ridges: This historic area, once a mental hospital, was bought by the university. Its Victorian-style buildings are now classrooms and offices, surrounded by a large nature preserve. There is also a new planetary observatory nearby.
- Gordon K. Bush Airport: The university has its own airport.
- Edwards Accelerator Laboratory: A special lab used for nuclear physics research.
- The Athena Cinema: An old movie theater on campus, owned by the university.
- Lausche Heating Plant: This plant provides heat to all buildings on campus.
Regional Campuses
The first regional campus, Ohio University – Chillicothe, opened in 1946. It helped with the large number of students after World War II. Today, over 9,800 students attend Ohio University's five regional campuses:
- Ohio University Chillicothe – 1946
- Ohio University Zanesville – 1946
- Ohio University Lancaster – 1956
- Ohio University Southern (Ironton) – 1956
- Ohio University Eastern (St. Clairsville) – 1957
The Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine also has two other campuses besides Athens:
Academics and Learning at OU
Ohio University has thirteen colleges and centers that offer degrees. The university's honor code focuses on good character, citizenship, politeness, commitment, and community. New students officially join the university by marching through the Alumni Gateway with university leaders.
The university is well-known for its liberal arts programs, as well as its journalism, business, and medicine programs. It also has five branch campuses and two medical campuses in Cleveland and Dublin. The total number of students across all campuses is over 36,000. Most students come from public high schools in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the U.S.
Admission to Ohio University is "selective," meaning they choose students carefully. The university accepts about 85% of all applicants each year. They look at things like your high school grades, recommendations, essays, and test scores (if you submit them). The Class of 2026 was the largest class to enroll at Ohio University, with students from all 50 states.
Colleges and Schools at OU
| ARWU World | 601-700 |
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| THES World | 601-800 |
| USNWR National University | 179 |
| Washington Monthly National University | 247 |
| Forbes | 319 |
| USNWR Undergraduate Rankings | |||
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| Program | Ranking | ||
| Business | 143 | ||
| Computer Science | 154 | ||
| Engineering | 147 | ||
| Nursing | 183 | ||
| USNWR National Rankings | |||
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| Program | Ranking | ||
| Audiology | 46 | ||
| Biological Sciences | 190 | ||
| Business | Unranked | ||
| Chemistry | 122 | ||
| Clinical Psychology | 88 | ||
| Computer Science | 119 | ||
| Education | 125 | ||
| Engineering | 138 | ||
| English | 108 | ||
| Fine Arts | 32 | ||
| History | 113 | ||
| Mathematics | 108 | ||
| Medicine: Primary Care | 93–123 | ||
| Medicine: Research | 93–123 | ||
| Nursing: Master's | Unranked | ||
| Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice | Unranked | ||
| Physical Therapy | 57 | ||
| Physics | 91 | ||
| Psychology | 98 | ||
| Public Affairs | 64 | ||
| Rehabilitation Counseling | 32 | ||
| Social Work | 96 | ||
| Speech-Language Pathology | 45 | ||
| USNWR Global Rankings | |||
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| Program | Ranking | ||
| Physics | 621 | ||
The university has 12 colleges and schools that grant degrees.
The College of Arts & Sciences is the largest part of the university. It offers many courses in subjects like history, social studies, and science. These courses form the basic learning for all undergraduate degrees.
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| College of Arts & Sciences |
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| Russ College of Engineering and Technology |
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| Scripps College of Communication |
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| College of Business |
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| Graduate College |
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| College of Fine Arts |
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| Patton College of Education |
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| Honors Tutorial College |
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| Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine |
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| College of Health Sciences and Professions |
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| University College |
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| Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service |
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The Russ College of Engineering and Technology has highly-rated engineering programs. It is named after Fritz J. Russ, an alumnus who founded a major bioengineering company.
The Scripps College of Communication has five schools, including the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the School of Media Arts and Studies. It also has the Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab, which helps students learn about digital game technology.
The College of Business offers nine different majors and a minor for non-business students. All business classes are taught by professors.
The College of Fine Arts offers programs in art, dance, film, music, and theater. The Ohio University School of Music celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. The Kennedy Museum of Art is located at The Ridges.
The Patton College of Education started in 1886. It was the first state-supported program in Ohio to train teachers. The state's first kindergarten opened on the Ohio University campus in 1907. Today, the college serves over 2,100 undergraduate and 800 graduate students.
The Honors Tutorial College offers special programs in 34 subjects, from journalism to astrophysics. It uses a system similar to British universities, where students learn one-on-one or in small groups.
The Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine was started in 1975. It is the only college in Ohio that offers the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. In 1993, Barbara Ross-Lee became the first African-American woman to be a dean of a U.S. medical school when she was appointed here. The college opened a second campus in Dublin, Ohio, in 2014, and a third in Cleveland in 2015.
The College of Health Sciences and Professions was established in 1979. It includes departments like exercise physiology, nursing, physical therapy, and social work.
University College was created in 2004. Students in this college can design their own major with faculty approval.
Research and Discovery
Ohio University has many research programs and institutes where students can learn from scientists and scholars. These centers cover a wide range of subjects.
The College of Arts & Sciences supports institutes for African American research, astrophysics, contemporary history, and more. The Center for International Studies was established in 1964.
The Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine supports research on topics like neuromusculoskeletal health and tropical diseases.
In Engineering and Technology, Ohio University has institutes for sustainable energy, advanced materials, and transportation research. The Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute (NQPI) supports research into very small materials and quantum physics.
The College of Business has centers for eBusiness, international business education, and sports administration. The university also has a business incubator to help new businesses grow.
In the Scripps College of Communication, there are institutes for international journalism and survey research. The Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab helps students develop skills in digital game technology.
The College of Education has centers for curriculum development, democracy in education, and literacy.
Student Life and Fun
| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
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| White | 81% |
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| Black | 6% |
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| Other | 6% |
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| Hispanic | 4% |
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| Asian | 2% |
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| Foreign national | 2% |
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| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income | 26% |
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| Other | 74% |
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University Traditions
The Marching 110 Band
The Ohio University Marching 110 is the university's official marching band. It was started in 1923. The band's name, "Marching 110," comes from its original number of members. Today, the band has about 240 members. They perform at sports events and other activities, including over 40 NFL halftime shows. In 1975, women were allowed to join the band again. The Marching 110 was the first college marching band to perform at Carnegie Hall in 1976. They also marched in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade in California.
Special Events and Fun
The annual Halloween block party in Athens is very famous, with thousands of people attending. Ohio University helps support this event. The university also has many other traditions that students enjoy:
- Homecoming Weekend: This includes a big parade through Athens and activities for students to meet alumni.
- International Week: In the spring, this week features another colorful parade and celebrations.
- Springtime Concert: The Student Activities Commission (SAC) puts on a yearly concert with popular musicians.
- Kissing Circle: A tradition on College Green where couples kiss to strengthen their "Bobcat Bond."
- Hellenic "rushing": In the fall, new students can join sororities and fraternities.
- Environmental awareness programs: The entire month of April features events about protecting the environment.
Helping the Community
Students at Ohio University are involved in many service activities. The Community Service Leadership Council organizes a "Project of the Week" every Saturday. These projects have included working with farms, animal rescues, and Habitat for Humanity. Students also raise money for charities through events like flag football tournaments and fun runs. Ohio University has been involved with the Peace Corps since 1962, helping to train volunteers.
University Media
Students at Ohio University run a newspaper, TV station, radio stations, and many online sites. The main newspaper, The Post, is printed once a week and updated online daily when school is in session. It is independent from the university.
Ohio University Public Television is a PBS station. It broadcasts Newswatch, a nightly news show with student reporters. Other student-made shows include Gridiron Glory (about high school football) and Bobcat Blitz (about Ohio Bobcats sports). WOUB also has a radio show called The OUtlet.
WOUB-FM broadcasts throughout southeastern Ohio. ACRN ("The Rock Lobster") is an online-only student-run radio station. The New Political is a website with news about campus and state politics. Thread Magazine is a fashion magazine, and Backdrop is about pop culture, both written by students. OHIO Today is the official university magazine for alumni.
Ohio University Sports
Ohio University sports began in 1894 with a football game. The university competes in Division I sports and is a founding member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), which started in 1946. The university has six men's teams and eight women's teams. All university sporting events are free for students. Ohio's teams wear hunter green and white. The school mascot is Rufus the Bobcat.
Basketball Teams
The 13,080-seat Convocation Center is home to the university's men's and women's basketball teams, and women's volleyball teams.
The first Ohio basketball game was in 1907. Since then, the Bobcats have won many games. The men's team has won 7 Mid-American Conference tournament titles and 10 MAC regular-season titles. They have also played in the NCAA tournament 14 times. The program was ranked 86th in Street & Smith's 100 Greatest Basketball Programs of All Time in 2005.
The women's team has won three MAC Tournaments (1986, 1995, 2015) and reached the NCAA Tournament in those years. They also won four MAC conference championships. In the 2018-19 season, the women's team won 30 games, which was a record for them.
Football Team
Ohio Bobcats football started in 1894. They recently won against the Georgia Southern Eagles in the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl. Since 1894, the Bobcats have a winning record. Peden Stadium, built in 1929, is the oldest football venue in the MAC. It can hold 27,000 fans. The stadium is nicknamed "The Wrigley Field of College Football."
The Bobcats have won five MAC Football championships and three MAC East Division championships. In 1960, they were named National Small College Champions. The Bobcats have played in several bowl games and won the 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.
Club Sports
Ohio University has 36 active club sports programs. These sports are for all genders, including co-ed teams.
Campus Safety and Police
Ohio University has its own police department, like many universities in Ohio. The Ohio University Police Department (OUPD) has 31 officers and other staff. They have patrol and investigation teams, and are part of a larger crime unit. OUPD was officially certified by the Ohio Collaborative in 2017.
Famous Ohio University Alumni
Ohio University has over 300,000 living former students, called alumni. These alumni include presidents of countries, Nobel Prize winners, senators, Pulitzer Prize winners, generals, and astronauts. Some famous alumni are:
- Steve Newman, who walked around the world.
- Loring Miner, who discovered the Spanish flu.
- Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, who won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
- George Voinovich, a former Ohio governor and U.S. senator.
- Thomas Ewing, the first graduate of Ohio University, who became the first Secretary of the Interior and a U.S. senator.
Many alumni from the Scripps College of Communication have won or helped win Pulitzer Prizes.
Images for kids
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Ecohouse
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Nelson Commons
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Ping Rock Wall
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Chemistry Building
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Brick Mural
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Ridges Auditorium
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Bobcat Depot
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Greenhouse
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Hammock Park
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Adams Hall
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Schoonover Comm Center
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ARCenter
See also
In Spanish: Universidad de Ohio para niños
