READ | TEACHING @ | BACKGROUND OF OHIO STATE
history | today | mission | culture
In 1878, the college's name was changed to The Ohio State University. In that same year the first class of six men graduated, and in 1879, the university graduated its first woman. As of August 2006, 580,489 degrees have been awarded.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Ohio State's roots go back to 1870, when the Ohio General Assembly established the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The college's curriculum was a matter of bitter dispute among politicians, the public, and educators. One faction, the "narrow gauge" group, held that the college should devote itself solely to the teaching of agriculture and mechanical arts. The "broad gauge" faction wanted a wider program that featured English and ancient and foreign languages as well. Joseph Sullivant, a member of the first Board of Trustees, pushed the "broad gauge" idea through the Board of Trustees, where it passed by a margin of eight to seven votes. His legacy endures; Ohio State continues to offer a broad-based, liberal arts education and a diverse range of study. Classes began at the new college on September 17, 1873. Twenty-four students met at the old Neil farm just two miles north of Columbus. In 1878, the college's name was changed to The Ohio State University. In that same year the first class of six men graduated, and in 1879, the university graduated its first woman. As of August 2006, 580,489 degrees have been awarded.
The university was made possible through provisions of the Land-Grant Act, signed by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on July 2, 1862. This legislation revolutionized the country's educational system, making it possible for all high school graduates to obtain a college degree. Accordingly, the school's mission was to provide all Ohio students the opportunity to go to college. Admissions were not competitive. In the 1980s, however, a selective admissions process was established. Students come from all over Ohio and the rest of the U.S. to attend Ohio State. While they may have different educational backgrounds, students must meet competitive criteria in order to attend the university. For more information about Ohio State students, click here.
