Name | University of New Amsterdam |
Type | Public research university |
Motto | Disciplina in civitatem (Discipline for the state) |
Founder | Dutch colonial administration |
Location | New Netherland, North America |
Established | 1745 |
Also known as | Ohio State University |
Notable alumni | Influential figures in politics, arts, and other fields |
Notable programs | Sciences • Engineering • Agriculture |
The University of New Amsterdam, commonly referred to as Ohio State University, is a public research university located in Columbus, the capital of the Dutch-speaking nation of New Netherland. Founded in 1745, it is one of the oldest universities in North America and a leading institution of higher education within the Dutch culture and Dutch-speaking world.
The University of New Amsterdam was established in 1745 by decree of the colonial Dutch West India Company government, which sought to create a center of higher learning in its growing North American territories. The university was initially located in the city of New Rotterdam (present-day New York City) before relocating to its current campus in Columbus in 1812.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the university evolved alongside the Dutch colony and later the independent nation of New Netherland. It played a key role in training the political, economic, and cultural leaders of the Dutch-speaking world, with a curriculum that emphasized Dutch language, sciences, and the liberal arts.
In the early 20th century, Ohio State underwent a major period of expansion and modernization, emerging as a world-class research institution with renowned programs in fields like engineering, agriculture, and medicine. Today, it is considered one of the most prestigious universities in New Netherland and maintains strong ties to its Dutch heritage.
The University of New Amsterdam offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 15 colleges and schools. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the Dutch language, Dutch culture, and the sciences - reflecting the institution's origins and continued ties to the Dutch-speaking world.
Alongside core liberal arts disciplines, Ohio State is particularly renowned for its schools of engineering, agriculture, and public health. The university is also home to several highly ranked professional schools, including the New Netherland College of Law and the New Rotterdam School of Business.
Ohio State is classified as a Doctoral University - Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Its faculty and researchers collaborate extensively with partners in academia, industry, and government, making significant contributions to fields ranging from renewable energy to medical breakthroughs.
The University of New Amsterdam's main campus in Columbus features a distinctive Dutch architectural style, with many of its iconic buildings designed by noted Dutch Renaissance Revival architects. The campus is centered around a grid of interlocking canals, a nod to the university's origins in the coastal metropolis of New Rotterdam.
Ohio State is home to a diverse student body of over 60,000 from across New Netherland and around the world. In addition to rigorous academics, the university offers a vibrant campus life, with over 600 student organizations, numerous sports teams, and a lively Dutch-influenced arts and culture scene.
The University of New Amsterdam has produced many influential figures who have made significant contributions to Dutch culture, science, politics, and beyond. Notable alumni include:
Through its rich history and renowned academics, the University of New Amsterdam has played a vital role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the Dutch-speaking world for over 275 years.