Celebrating 50 Years:
The Ohio State University at Newark
Campus Founded with Community Support
During the early months of 1957, the community of Newark recognized a milestone opportunity – The Ohio State University planned to establish branch campuses throughout the state. Newark officials quickly took the initiative, inviting the university to locate in the heart of Licking County, with the city’s board of education extending support for the proposal by offering use of their own facilities for college classrooms.
During the following months, individuals, local businesses and civic organizations stepped forward, contributing not only financially, including donating all of the new institution’s administrative office furnishings, but also by giving freely of their own time and effort. It was members of the Newark Jaycees who undertook the task of painting the new administrative office’s exterior, while the Newark Garden Club labored over a landscape design for the grounds.
With
outstanding community support and approval, The Ohio State University at
Newark held its first classes on October 1, 1957, at the old Newark High
School on West Main Street. Eighty students enrolled during that first
autumn quarter.
Close to a decade passed, and in 1966 the Newark Campus, as it came to be called, was thriving. Enrollment had grown to 609 students in autumn quarter 1966, when opportunity arose again for the Newark community. Once more the citizens rallied to support their local university, with this goal perhaps an even greater milestone – the creation of a permanent home for The Ohio State University at Newark.
When
the Ohio Board of Regents offered $1,800,000 in state funds for the project,
upon the condition that Licking County raise $650,000 locally, the community
response was swift and overwhelming. More than 7,000 citizens pledged over
one million dollars that year toward the cost of purchasing 155 acres of
land and constructing the first campus building, Founders Hall, which opened
in 1968. The generosity of the residents of Licking County had made the
Newark Campus Campaign the most successful of its kind to date, raising more
money than any other similar Ohio State Campaign in other communities.
From its very inception, The Ohio State University at Newark has benefited from the forethought and generous support of the people of Newark and Licking County. As Ohio State Newark celebrates 50 years of educational opportunities, it also celebrates 50 years of educational partnership with the community it proudly serves.
With outstanding support from the community, The Ohio State University at Newark held its first classes on October 1, 1957, at the old Newark High School on West Main Street.