Old Dominion University has made significant strides across academics, research, athletics, and community partnerships in 2025, reinforcing its growing influence among U.S. public research universities. From national cybersecurity recognition to major commencement milestones and campus expansion, this article presents fully verified and current updates on Old Dominion University as of today.
What’s Happening at Old Dominion University in 2025
Old Dominion University continues to advance its mission of education, research, and public service. Throughout 2025, the university recorded notable achievements in academic validation, health research initiatives, economic analysis, infrastructure growth, student success, and athletic performance. In December, ODU’s School of Cybersecurity made national headlines by becoming the first university in the nation to receive dual National Security Agency validation for its cybersecurity and artificial intelligence academic programs, underscoring its leadership in preparing students for critical roles at the intersection of AI and national security. The university also launched a first-of-its-kind AI incubator powered by Google Cloud, providing cutting-edge resources for research, digital innovation, and AI workforce development that benefits students, faculty, and the broader community.
Campus life saw continued engagement beyond academics, with Old Dominion University students, faculty, and alumni recognized at regional innovation events such as 757 TechNite for their contributions to technology and entrepreneurship. Research initiatives like the Life in Hampton Roads survey offered fresh insights into regional quality of life and community trends. ODU’s commitment to public health and scholarship was reflected in the university’s celebration of its first Public Health Ph.D. graduate, highlighting growing strength in health education and research. Meanwhile, the university’s economists released the State of the Commonwealth Report, providing data-driven analysis of Virginia’s economic trends in 2025, and Old Dominion University celebrated the successful completion of its 143rd commencement with nearly 1,600 new graduates entering the workforce.
On the infrastructure front, ODU continued ambitious building projects, including ongoing construction of a new Biological Sciences Building and renovation of athletic facilities, aligning with the university’s long-term master plan for growth. Community engagement also expanded through service efforts like the Monarchs Give Back campaign, which broke records collecting food and donations for local families and students in need. Athletically, Old Dominion University’s football team capped a strong season with an invitation to the 2025 Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, showcasing the depth of talent and competitiveness within ODU’s athletics programs.
These developments reflect a year of progress across academic excellence, research innovation, community impact, and student achievement at Old Dominion University — continuing its trajectory as a dynamic institution shaping futures in Virginia and beyond.
Academic and Research Progress at Old Dominion University
National Cybersecurity Recognition
Old Dominion University has not only made history with its national cybersecurity recognition, but it has substantially expanded the scope and impact of its cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education in 2025. Old Dominion University became the first university in the United States to earn dual National Security Agency validation for both its AI-integrated cybersecurity programs—the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with a Major in Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity and the Master of Science in Cybersecurity concentrating in AI Security—valid through 2030, setting a new national standard for how academic institutions prepare students for evolving cyber threats and AI security challenges. These validations position ODU’s programs at the forefront of national efforts to cultivate future leaders capable of defending critical infrastructure and securing advanced technologies in government and industry.
The achievement reflects remarkable program growth since the School of Cybersecurity began in 2015 as a small interdisciplinary major with just over a dozen students. Today, the school enrolls around 1,700 students and has awarded more than 1,500 alumni degrees, offering nearly a dozen undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity pathways designed to meet workforce demand. Old Dominion University is also one of only ten higher education institutions nationwide—and the only one in Virginia—to hold all three of the NSA’s Centers of Academic Excellence designations in Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research, reinforcing its leadership in the field.
Beyond industry designation, the School of Cybersecurity has grown its partnerships with national agencies, defense contractors, and private sector leaders to provide students with internships, research collaborations, and real-world training opportunities. These include connections with the NSA and major technology companies, enhancing experiential learning and career readiness. The university’s commitment to research innovation is further exemplified by ongoing projects and student involvement in cybersecurity initiatives that contribute to regional and national security discourse. With its robust program offerings, strategic partnerships, and deepening national influence, Old Dominion University continues to elevate its academic and research impact in cybersecurity and secure AI education.
New Institute Focused on Nutrition and Health
In December 2025, Old Dominion University announced the creation of the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health, a major new multidisciplinary initiative designed to redefine how nutrition and lifestyle medicine are incorporated into higher education, clinical practice, research, and community health. The institute was established through a transformational $15 million gift from philanthropist Joan P. Brock, one of the region’s most impactful supporters of health innovation and education. This gift builds on Brock’s ongoing commitment to the university and follows recent investments that have already expanded Old Dominion University’s health sciences footprint in Hampton Roads and beyond.
The Joan P. Brock Institute serves as a central hub within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, the largest and most comprehensive academic health sciences center in Virginia, created through the integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School into ODU’s academic structure. The new institute aims to integrate sound nutrition education and lifestyle medicine into medical and health professions curricula, transforming how future physicians and health professionals approach disease prevention and patient care. It underscores a broader commitment to preventive health by equipping future clinicians with the skills to understand and apply nutrition science as a foundational element of whole-person care.
In addition to educational integration, the institute will support basic science, translational research, and clinical innovation focused on chronic disease prevention, metabolic health, and community wellness. A key component of this effort is the development of a metabolic kitchen, which will support student training, research into food and health interactions, and community outreach initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles locally.
The institute’s early years will focus on recruiting leadership, embedding nutrition education across existing degree programs, and laying the groundwork for long-term research and outreach efforts. Over subsequent years, initiatives will expand to include community partnerships, enhanced patient-centered programs, and a potential clinical practice in lifestyle medicine that could serve residents of Virginia and beyond.
Old Dominion University’s launch of the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health enhances the university’s role in addressing key public health challenges and positions ODU as a national leader in integrating nutrition science into mainstream health education, research, and practice. It reflects a strategic vision to not only educate future health professionals but also drive measurable improvements in community health outcomes across the region.
Statewide Economic Research Leadership
Old Dominion University economists released the 11th annual State of the Commonwealth Report in 2025, providing one of the most comprehensive and data-driven reviews of Virginia’s economy published this year. The report examines critical economic conditions across the state, including employment trends, housing markets, federal policy impacts, inflation patterns, and regional growth challenges. It offers detailed insights into how changes in federal civilian employment and tariff policies have affected economic activity, with clear evidence that reductions in federal workforce numbers and continued tariff pressures have contributed to slower growth and rising uncertainty in several sectors. The report also highlights that Virginia, once ranked the best state for business, experienced a drop in that standing, reflecting the complex interplay of national and regional economic forces.
Produced by the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy within Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business, the State of the Commonwealth Report is structured to help policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations understand the economic health of Virginia’s major regions—from Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Roanoke Valley. It includes analysis of unemployment projections and specific policy recommendations, such as the need for Virginia to replace each lost federal government job with two private-sector jobs to maintain economic stability and growth. The report also traces trends in consumer sentiment, housing affordability, and port activity, underscoring both headwinds and pockets of resilience throughout the commonwealth’s economy. By grounding its findings in robust data and regional analysis, Old Dominion University’s economic research continues to serve as a vital reference point for decision-makers and stakeholders invested in Virginia’s economic future.
Campus Growth and Infrastructure Investment
Old Dominion University continues to modernize and expand its campus through long-term infrastructure planning aimed at strengthening academic excellence, research capacity, and student experience. In 2025, the university moved forward with one of the most significant construction projects in its history — a $184 million Biological Sciences Building. The five-story facility is designed to support advanced teaching laboratories, interdisciplinary research, modern classrooms, and collaborative student spaces. Once completed, the building will centralize biological sciences programs and significantly enhance hands-on learning and research opportunities for students and faculty.
Campus development efforts in 2025 extended well beyond a single project. Old Dominion University advanced multiple construction and renovation initiatives across academic, arts, and athletic spaces, reflecting a coordinated approach to campus growth. Improvements to academic and arts facilities are creating flexible learning environments that support evolving teaching methods, while updated student learning spaces are being designed to encourage collaboration, accessibility, and engagement outside the classroom. Expanded research infrastructure across campus is also enabling faculty and students to pursue larger-scale projects and interdisciplinary work aligned with national workforce needs.
These infrastructure investments are guided by the university’s long-term campus master plan, which prioritizes sustainable growth, improved mobility, enhanced safety, and a more connected campus experience. Together, these projects represent a strategic commitment to attracting top faculty, supporting student success, and positioning Old Dominion University as a modern, research-driven institution prepared for future academic and workforce demands.
Student Achievement and Academic Excellence
Fall 2025 Commencement Milestone
Old Dominion University celebrated its 143rd commencement ceremonies in December 2025. Nearly 1,600 students earned degrees across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Graduates represented disciplines such as:
- Engineering and sciences
- Cybersecurity and data analytics
- Business and public administration
- Health sciences and education
The ceremonies highlighted the university’s commitment to academic achievement and workforce readiness.
Outstanding Scholar Recognition
Ahead of commencement, Old Dominion University honored its Outstanding Scholar Award recipients, celebrating the top academic performers from each college across the university. These awards recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, dedication to research, leadership within their fields of study, and a strong commitment to community involvement. In 2025, the recognition spotlighted a diverse group of scholars who excelled not only in coursework but also in faculty-mentored research projects, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaborations that tackled real-world challenges.
Recipients represented a broad array of academic disciplines, including engineering, health sciences, data analytics, business, arts, education, and cybersecurity. Many of these students completed capstone projects, presented at academic conferences, published research, or contributed to community outreach initiatives during their time at Old Dominion University. A significant number also balanced leadership roles in student organizations, volunteer service, and internships that further enriched their academic journeys.
The Outstanding Scholar Awards ceremony served as a highlight of the commencement season, bringing together faculty, peers, families, and university leaders to honor these exceptional graduating students. The recognition reflects Old Dominion University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and rewarding students who set high scholarly standards and inspire their classmates. For many recipients, the honor also served as a meaningful milestone as they prepare to enter competitive graduate programs, research careers, public service roles, and industry positions immediately following graduation.
Student Experiences at Old Dominion University
Student success stories remain a defining feature of Old Dominion University. Many graduates credit hands-on research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and applied learning experiences for preparing them for leadership roles in technology, healthcare, education, and public service.
These experiences reflect the university’s emphasis on real-world learning and student support.
Athletics and School Spirit
Football Program Earns Bowl Appearance
Old Dominion University’s football team recorded a strong 9–3 season in 2025, earning a berth in the Cure Bowl held in Orlando, Florida. The postseason appearance marked another milestone for the Monarchs under head coach Ricky Rahne.
The successful season boosted school spirit, alumni engagement, and national visibility for Old Dominion University athletics.
Community Engagement and Public Programs
Beyond academics and athletics, Old Dominion University continues to deepen its engagement with the Hampton Roads community through a wide range of public lectures, research outreach, cultural programming, youth education initiatives, and service activities. In 2025, the university expanded its community focus by hosting a robust calendar of events that brought world-class speakers, industry experts, and faculty researchers into public forums designed to inform, inspire, and connect residents across the region.
Old Dominion University’s public lecture series covered topics such as regional economic trends, emerging technologies, and health and wellness, offering accessible opportunities for lifelong learning and community dialogue. Research outreach programs connected university experts with local organizations to address pressing regional issues — including environmental resilience, cybersecurity awareness, workforce readiness, and public health education — and provided community members with practical tools and insights.
Cultural programming at Old Dominion University continued to flourish, with expanded offerings in music, theater, visual arts, and multicultural events that highlighted both student talent and nationally recognized artists. These programs not only enriched campus life but also made the university’s creative resources available to families, schools, and community partners throughout Hampton Roads.
Science education initiatives flourished in 2025, with Old Dominion University leading hands-on STEM workshops, youth camps, and collaborative projects with local schools to promote science literacy and spark curiosity among students of all ages. The university also strengthened volunteer opportunities for faculty and students to support community needs, from service-focused events to mentoring programs that help local youth prepare for college and careers.
Collectively, these engagement efforts reflect Old Dominion University’s commitment to being a dynamic partner in the region — one that leverages academic expertise, cultural assets, and research capacity to support community well-being, expand access to education, and deepen civic partnerships throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.
What Lies Ahead for Old Dominion University
As 2025 concludes, Old Dominion University stands well-positioned for continued growth. Its achievements in cybersecurity education, health research, economic analysis, campus expansion, and student success demonstrate a university focused on innovation and service.
Old Dominion University remains committed to preparing students for the future while contributing meaningfully to the economic and social well-being of Virginia and the nation.
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