Old Dominion University continues to stand out nationally as a public research institution delivering major academic, athletic, and research milestones as of today. Old Dominion University remains firmly positioned as a leader in cybersecurity education, student achievement, athletic success, and economic research across Virginia and the broader United States.
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National Recognition for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Programs
Old Dominion University achieved a historic academic milestone in 2025 by becoming the first university in the United States to receive dual cybersecurity validation from the National Security Agency for programs centered on artificial intelligence.
The recognition covers two advanced academic tracks:
- A bachelor’s program combining cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
- A master’s program focused on securing artificial intelligence systems
This validation places Old Dominion University at the forefront of preparing students for careers in national security, defense, and advanced technology fields. The achievement reflects years of investment in faculty expertise, curriculum development, and hands-on research training.
The university’s School of Cybersecurity, established in 2015, continues to expand enrollment and industry partnerships, strengthening its reputation as a national leader in this rapidly evolving discipline.
Nearly 1,600 Students Graduate at Historic Commencement
Old Dominion University celebrated its 143rd commencement ceremony in December 2025, awarding degrees to nearly 1,600 graduates across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Graduates represented a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
- Engineering and computer sciences
- Cybersecurity and data science
- Business and public health
- Education and health sciences
- Arts and humanities
The ceremony also marked an important milestone as several newly established academic schools graduated their first cohorts. University leadership emphasized service, resilience, and leadership as central themes during the event.
This record-setting commencement reinforces Old Dominion University’s commitment to student success and workforce readiness.
Football Program Reaches New Heights in 2025
Old Dominion University football delivered one of the strongest seasons in program history during the 2025 campaign. The Monarchs finished the regular season with a 9–3 record, earning a postseason bowl invitation and tying the program record for wins in a season. The team’s appearance in the Cure Bowl marked only the fourth bowl berth in program history and highlighted consistent growth within the Sun Belt Conference. The Monarchs showcased a balanced offense, improved defensive execution, and disciplined coaching throughout the season.
As of December 17, Old Dominion was preparing to face the University of South Florida Bulls in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, a matchup that featured two teams with identical 9–3 records. Both programs entered the game seeking their first 10-win season in nearly a decade, adding even more significance to the postseason appearance. Several key players, including starting quarterbacks from both sides, opted out of the bowl game to preserve future opportunities, leading backups to step into pivotal roles under the bright lights of ESPN’s national broadcast. Old Dominion’s depth, running game strength, and late-season momentum underscored the Monarchs’ continued rise and set the stage for one of the most anticipated bowl matchups in school history.
Head Coach Ricky Rahne Secures Contract Extension
Following the successful season, Old Dominion University extended Head Coach Ricky Rahne’s contract for an additional four years. The extension reflects confidence in the program’s long-term vision and stability.
Under Rahne’s leadership, the football program has improved win totals, postseason competitiveness, and player development, positioning Old Dominion University as a rising force within its conference.
Continued Momentum Across Athletics
Beyond football, Old Dominion University athletics remained active and competitive throughout 2025 across multiple sports. The men’s basketball team delivered a mix of strong performances and challenging matchups as it opened the season. Early in the season the Monarchs posted decisive home victories, including an 88–56 win over Morgan State and a spirited 60–57 triumph over Norfolk State in front of a large Chartway Arena crowd. Since then, ODU has faced tough non-conference opponents such as Xavier, Villanova, and George Washington, showcasing intensity even in close losses. The Monarchs are also preparing for key Sun Belt Conference games at home, including the renewal of the TowneBank Royal Rivalry against James Madison University, adding depth and energy to the conference schedule.
On the women’s side, Old Dominion University’s women’s basketball squad competed in early Sun Belt Conference action, including Education Day matchups. The Monarchs fought hard but suffered a challenging road loss to Troy, as Troy tied its best start since the early 1990s with its victory over Old Dominion. Despite that setback, the women’s program also announced new future commitments from top-ranked high school guards, strengthening the roster outlook for 2026 and highlighting ongoing recruiting success.
Across all teams, the athletic department continues to emphasize academic success, athlete development, and community engagement alongside on-court and on-field performance, underlining a holistic approach to student athletics at Old Dominion University.
Old Dominion University economists released the 11th annual State of the Commonwealth Report in December 2025, offering a comprehensive analysis of Virginia’s economic outlook and recent trends. The report, produced by the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, paints a nuanced picture of the Commonwealth’s economic performance this year. It highlights how slower overall growth, changes in federal employment, and shifts in trade patterns have shaped the state’s labor market and economic prospects.
The report found that Virginia’s labor force participation and overall employment levels experienced modest declines in 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining workers across key regions of the state. At the same time, economists noted that federal civilian employment continued to shrink, which has broader implications for job stability and wage levels in communities heavily dependent on government roles. To offset this impact, the analysis emphasized the need for private-sector job creation at a rate that significantly outpaces losses in public employment.
Regional employment challenges also stood out in the report. While some areas posted steady job openings and robust industry activity, others faced slower growth or declines, especially where population outmigration and slower business investment occurred. This uneven regional dynamic underscores the importance of tailored economic strategies for distinct parts of the Commonwealth.
A key theme of the report focused on long-term economic resilience across industries. The analysis explored how sectors such as logistics, port operations, and advanced manufacturing interact with trade policies and external economic pressures. In particular, the report examined how tariff impacts and shifting global trade conditions influenced activity at major hubs like the Port of Virginia, affecting goods movement and related employment.
Fiscal pressures affecting households and businesses also emerged as an area of concern. Rising costs, slower wage growth in some sectors, and broader national economic trends contributed to uncertainty about consumer confidence and spending. The report stressed that strategic economic diversification, targeted workforce development, and investment in emerging industries will be critical for strengthening Virginia’s resilience in the years ahead.
By offering detailed data, trend analysis, and regional comparisons, the State of the Commonwealth Report serves policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations with actionable insights into Virginia’s economic health and future challenges.anizations seeking data-driven insight into Virginia’s economic conditions. It also demonstrates Old Dominion University’s influence beyond campus through applied research and public service.
Campus Programs Strengthen Community Engagement
Old Dominion University continues to expand educational, cultural, and wellness programs that actively engage students and the surrounding Hampton Roads community throughout the academic year. The university maintains a full schedule of public events that include performances, exhibitions, lectures, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to serve audiences both on and off campus.
One of the most visible outreach efforts remains the university’s planetarium, which hosts immersive astronomy programs, seasonal sky tours, and family-friendly science presentations. These programs attract students, educators, and local residents, offering accessible science education in an interactive setting that supports lifelong learning.
Old Dominion University also places a strong emphasis on student wellness and community connection through campus-wide initiatives held during peak academic periods. Wellness programs, creative workshops, and stress-management activities help foster a supportive campus environment while strengthening peer engagement and academic success.
In addition, the university continues to open its campus to prospective students and families through guided tours, open houses, and academic showcases that highlight research facilities, student life, and academic programs. These outreach efforts support recruitment while reinforcing the university’s role as an accessible public institution.
Through a sustained commitment to cultural programming, science outreach, wellness initiatives, and public engagement, Old Dominion University strengthens its connection to the Hampton Roads region while expanding access to education, discovery, and community participation.
Old Dominion University at a Glance in 2025
Old Dominion University marked a landmark year in 2025 with achievements that strengthened its national standing in education, research, and athletics. The university became the first institution in the United States to earn dual National Security Agency cybersecurity validation, a milestone that reinforced its leadership in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education and positioned its graduates for high-demand careers in technology and national defense.
Academic success was also reflected at the December commencement, where nearly 1,600 students graduated across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The ceremony represented a wide range of disciplines and included graduates from newly established academic schools, underscoring the university’s expanding academic portfolio and commitment to workforce readiness.
Athletically, Old Dominion University enjoyed one of its strongest years in recent history. The football program posted a 9–3 regular-season record and earned a postseason bowl appearance, highlighting steady growth within the Sun Belt Conference. Following the successful campaign, the university secured continuity and stability by signing the head football coach to a long-term contract extension, signaling confidence in the program’s direction.
Beyond athletics, the university continued to influence statewide discussions through research and policy analysis. University economists released a comprehensive statewide economic impact report, offering insights into labor trends, regional growth challenges, and long-term economic resilience across Virginia.
Community engagement remained a priority throughout the year, with ongoing public programs, research initiatives, cultural events, science outreach, and wellness activities serving students and residents of the Hampton Roads region. These efforts reinforced the university’s role as a public institution committed to access, discovery, and service.
Old Dominion University continues to advance its mission through academic innovation, athletic achievement, and meaningful public engagement. Its accomplishments in 2025 reflect a university focused on preparing students for the future while making a lasting impact on the communities it serves.
What stands out most to you about Old Dominion University’s progress this year? Share your thoughts or stay tuned for more updates.
