Stepping onto campus for the first time may feel intimidating. Ohio University can easily feel overwhelming, and getting to know Athens can be difficult. Luckily for new students, there are a few key buildings to remember and people to keep in mind.
Baker University Center
At the heart of OU is Baker. No matter what part of campus one may find themselves at, Baker is always a short walk away. The five floors of Baker offer a wide variety of conference rooms and offices. Here, students will find the U.S. Postal Service and multiple dining options, including Front Room Coffeehouse, food-court-style West 82, Latitude 39 and Life is Sweet.
Alden Library
When it comes time to grind out a paper or study for exams, Alden is the place to be. The library’s seven floors offer group, quiet and silent areas designed to meet various studying needs. Book a study room for collaborative sessions, or enjoy independent working spaces throughout Alden. Desktop computers and printers are also available for use.
Hudson Health Center
Getting sick in college is inevitable. Luckily, OU’s on-campus student health center, located at 2 Health Center Drive, offers urgent and primary care through OhioHealth. Counseling and Psychological Services is also located in Hudson Health Center, offering mental health support and resources.
Academic Achievement Center
The AAC, located in Alden, provides tutoring services for all students. From drop-in tutoring to group sessions to weekly Peer Assisted Learning sessions, the AAC supports students through academic challenges. The Writing Commons, located in Bromley Hall 032, offers support for academic papers and essays.
Nelson Court and Boyd Dining Hall
For those with a meal plan, Nelson and Boyd Dining Hall are campus hotspots. Nelson on South Green and Boyd Dining Hall on West Green serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with continuous service Monday through Friday, with open weekend hours as well.
President Lori Stewart Gonzalez
President Lori Stewart Gonzalez is the 23rd president of OU and is the university’s first female president, according to a previous report by The Post. Gonzalez began her work at OU on July 1, 2023. Gonzalez and her team have developed the Dynamic Strategy to strengthen and support OU’s mission and goals. Gonzalez is frequently seen engaging with students at campus events.
Andrew Powers
Every OU student should be familiar with Andrew Powers, the Ohio University Police Department’s chief of police. OUPD is a full-service police agency responsible for on-campus investigations and enforcing criminal law. OUPD also sends out communications to students and staff about instances of crimes posing a threat to campus safety.
Dan Gordillo
Gordillo serves as the Student Senate president. The Senate supports the student body by advocating for positive campus changes and working with university administration to meet the needs of students and staff. General body Senate meetings are held every Wednesday in Walter Hall 235.
Steve Patterson
Patterson serves as the Mayor of Athens. Patterson has lived in Athens since 1998 and worked at OU as an associate professor of health psychology until 2016. As mayor, Patterson oversees the Board of Control, Board of Disability Services, Board of Zoning Appeals and the Recreation Board of Appeals, among others. Patterson was elected to his third term as mayor in 2023, according to a previous report by The Post.
At a university with a seemingly endless campus, finding the right places and people can be a tall task. However, the above places and people offer important services and shine as pillars of OU.
