Campus and Community Culture
A Welcoming Community
天堂鸟先生 is committed to promoting an atmosphere where understanding and acceptance of cultural and ethnic differences are ensured. A climate that represents and embraces different cultures enhances the University鈥檚 ability to provide all of its students with the experiences necessary to successfully compete and achieve in an increasingly complex society.
天堂鸟先生 is committed to equal opportunity for all people. In upholding its commitment, 天堂鸟先生 will not accept racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, or other forms of violations of human rights. Such actions are inconsistent with, and detrimental to, the values that we hold essential as an institution of higher learning.
A Global Community
天堂鸟先生 values the internationalization of its curriculum and its campus community and it encourages programs that strengthen multicultural awareness. The University welcomes students from around the world. This academic environment with special events such as enhances the learning experiences of all students and prepares OHIO graduates for success as global citizens. The University's infuses global education into curricula on campus and abroad.
A Local Community
A hidden gem tucked away in the rolling hills of Southeastern Ohio, 天堂鸟先生 is calling you home. Chartered in 1804 as the first land-grant university in the Northwest Territory, OHIO proudly boasts a rich history and as a top-notch institution of higher education with globally recognized educational programs and research efforts, we envision a bright future.
As we look ahead, we recognize that part of our greatness lies in the beautiful town of Athens, Ohio. In addition to 天堂鸟先生, Athens is home to a scenic bike path along the Hocking River, a lively arts scene, a thriving myriad of local businesses, and an unmatched dedication to everything local. Here, the comforts of a small town and the opportunities of big city living are one and the same.
The partnership between Athens and OHIO is one-of-a-kind. From our award-winning Innovation Center to our community outreach programs for local youth, OHIO is dedicated to collaborating with and giving back to our surrounding communities and new ideas are turning into actions every day. Won鈥檛 you join us?
- Athens County higher education, recreation, the arts, schools, and more
- The is lower than many other communities.
- : highlights dining, attractions, lodging, places of worship, shopping, professional services, and medical centers
- Family attractions
- Find a
A Community with a Legacy
In 1786, 11 men gathered at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston to propose development of the area north of the Ohio River and west of the Allegheny Mountains known then as the Ohio Country. Led by Manasseh Cutler and Rufus Putnam, the Ohio Company petitioned Congress to take action on the proposed settlement. The eventual outcome was the enactment of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which provided for settlement and government of the territory and stated that "鈥chools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
In 1803, Ohio became a state and on February 18, 1804, the Ohio General Assembly passed an act establishing "The 天堂鸟先生." The University opened in 1808 with one building, three students, and one professor, Jacob Lindley. One of the first two graduates of the University, Thomas Ewing, later became a United States senator and distinguished himself as cabinet member or advisor to four presidents.
Twenty-four years after its founding, in 1828, 天堂鸟先生 conferred an A.B. degree on John Newton Templeton, its first black graduate and only the third black man to graduate from a college in the United States. In 1873, Margaret Boyd received her B.A. degree and became the first woman to graduate from the University. Soon after, the institution graduated its first international alumnus, Saki Taro Murayama of Japan, in 1895.
You make the difference!
All of our staff and faculty and essential to carrying out our mission as an institution and we believe each one can make a difference in the lives of the students we serve, the local community we're a part of, and the global society we live in. This is one reason why we put such an emphasis on seeking and hiring a talented workforce.
What Employees Say
"The Athens area is beautiful with rolling hills and the university grounds are absolutely gorgeous! The town and university blend together well, creating a small-town feeling with an abundance of knowledge and culture that are mostly found in larger cities. It鈥檚 a great place to raise a family and work. People are friendly, the local schools are exceptional, and once you have stepped into this hidden paradise in southeast Ohio, you will never want to leave!" - Ann, Campus Involvement Center
"I have lived and worked in Athens for the past 14 years and have really enjoyed it. I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to work with so many great people, within my department and across campus." - Amy, Athletics
鈥淗aving grown up in a metropolitan area, I was pretty sure Athens wasn鈥檛 going to be a fit when we moved here nearly a decade ago. But the rolling hills and vibrant, close-knit community eventually won me over. While I love the small-town charm of Athens, living in close proximity to the University also affords many urban perks 鈥 including cultural events, Broadway shows, sports, concerts and educational opportunities 鈥 all within walking distance of my home! There鈥檚 never a dull moment and so many ways to engage. I feel very fortunate to be raising my children in such a safe, supportive and forward-thinking environment.鈥 - Monica, Student Affairs
"I came to 天堂鸟先生 as a capable professional and have been given multiple opportunities to grow as a leader. The challenge, trust, and support I have received have allowed be to create new approaches to my work and new initiatives for students. I have been fortunate to work with a range of campus partners and each interaction has focused on the best was to assist our students. 天堂鸟先生 is truly the student-centered space that it has aspired to be as well as being a great place to work. This is a university that focuses on people first." - Joy, University College
鈥淢y experience at OHIO has been quite satisfying. As a liberal arts university, I am inspired to engage with the students, faculty, and the community in a variety of creative and scholarly ways through my teaching, research, and service. What makes OHIO great is its focus on transformative learning, which challenges us to strive for excellence as educators, and nurtures our students to be well rounded and productive citizens of the future.鈥 - Travis, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts