About ODU
Who We Are
The Ohio Dominican community is lively, passionate and dedicated to the success of our students and the pursuit of truth, justice and peace. As a Catholic liberal arts university in the Dominican tradition, ODU is guided in its educational mission by the Dominican motto: To contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation.
Mission & Identity
As a Catholic Dominican university, we embrace all who seek the truth. Learn about our rich history and traditions.
ODU Fast Facts
ODU is central Ohio's Catholic university, where students connect their passion with a purpose.
Panther Stories
Our students come from near and far, bringing their unique stories to the ODU community.
How it Started...
Learn more about our university's founding and our connection to the Catholic Dominican faith in the video below as WOSU's Columbus Neighborhoods explores the history of Ohio Dominican University, originally founded in 1911 as College of St. Mary of the Springs by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
University Leadership
Meet Dr. Shonna Riedlinger
Ohio Dominican University's acting president, Dr. Shonna Riedlinger, was appointed to her post in January 2024. Visit the Office of the President page to learn more about Dr. Riedlinger.Awards, Recognition & Points of Pride
Ohio Dominican University is one of the best colleges in the Midwest — but don't just take our word for it!
In recognition of its commitment to serving veterans, active duty servicemembers and military families, the State of Ohio has designated Ohio Dominican a Collegiate Purple Star campus.
ODU now joins a select list of colleges and universities across the state that have received the designation, which recognizes campuses for their efforts to support military-connected students.
Ohio Dominican has joined Catholic colleges and universities around the world to answer Pope Francis’ call to develop action plans to better care for the planet and each other.