Employee Diversity at ODU

Diversity & Inclusion: The Monarch Way!

At Old Dominion University, diversity and inclusion are a major part of our DNA. We are proud to be part of a local, state, and international community, where our student workers, faculty, researchers, administrators, and staff hail from more than 100 countries. This rich diversity makes us a stronger educational institution by enhancing our learning and engaging us in meaningful dialogue and problem-solving. Because we know that maintaining our climate of employee diversity and respect is an indispensable part of our institutional success, we remain committed to increasing our workforce diversity to become a national exemplar in higher education.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower each employee to promote excellence and become an engaged citizen who uses their acquired knowledge and skills with integrity and compassion to improve the campus and the world.


ODU is deeply committed to the success of our entire workforce. All employees at every rank and classification are a critical part of the Monarch community, and deserving of the best possible experience, regardless of their:

  • race/color
  • national or ethnic origin
  • ancestry
  • age
  • religion or religious creed
  • political affiliation
  • income/economic status
  • educational background
  • ability
  • sex or gender
  • gender identity and/or expression
  • sexual orientation
  • pregnancy
  • military or veteran status
  • genetic information

For this reason, increasing faculty and staff diversity has been and remains a top priority at ODU.

Employee Resource Groups

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs or affinity groups) affirm employee diversity and offer resources to enhance employee quality of life. Explore what the ERGs have to offer, or ways you can partner to offer your own skills to make ODU an excellent, diverse, and inclusive place to work!

2020
Top 10 Military Friendly Institution
Recognized by militaryfriendly.com
2019
Top 100 Best Employer for Diversity
In the United States, according to Forbes
100+
Countries Represented
Among all Employees