On July 31, 2024, the community gathered for the rededication of Louella Hodges Reese Hall. This $27.6 million renovation saw the oldest building on the Newark campus transformed into a modern, welcoming facility emphasizing openness and natural light. With an increased focus on high-quality teaching, learning and co-curricular environments, Hodges Hall is an inviting location for study and engagement, offering a multitude of exciting future possibilities.
Hodges Hall originally opened as Founders Hall, the oldest and largest building on the shared campus. The fundraising campaign started in 1966 with a goal of $635,000. Over 7,000 contributors in Licking County raised over $1 million, and in 1968 the doors officially opened to Ohio State Newark students. COTC became a co-located partner in 1971, joining the building’s history early.
Leadership from Ohio State Newark, COTC, and Newark Campus Development Fund gather with Mrs. Reese, symbolizing the strong cost shared relationship of the Newark campus.
This renovation is a result of the generous spirit that’s been at the core of Ohio State Newark and COTC from the beginning. The building is being renamed after Louella H. Reese in grateful acknowledgment of one of the co-located schools’ most enduring supporters. Whether through scholarships, capital improvements or programming, Reese’s deep commitment to improving the campus and community has never wavered and is a model for all. In total, nearly $15.9 million was raised for this project through donors and our charitable community.
"Hodges Hall is simply spectacular,” said COTC President John M. Berry, PhD and Ohio State Newark dean and director William L. MacDonald, PhD.
“The renovation so dramatically changed the facility that in many ways it feels like a new building, but we haven't lost touch with its past. The history wall on the lower level pays homage not only to the many donors whose contributions helped construct the building, but also to the spirit of the building and its current and past occupants. We are excited that it is starting a new chapter as Hodges Hall, and we are grateful to the donors who made it possible."
This building hosts several lecture halls, as well as several school-specific and cost-shared resources, including Ohio State Newark academic advising and admissions, the Ohio State Newark dean/director and COTC president’s offices, business and finance, information technology services, human resources, the services center, the Newark Earthworks Center, and the Ohio State Newark psychology lab.
