The Lancaster Campus is home to two bridges listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more about the bridges, their history and their preservation.
Campus History
»¨¼¾´«Ã½ Lancaster Campus History
Founded in 1956, »¨¼¾´«Ã½â€™s Lancaster campus is one of five regional campuses within the university system. Located roughly 43 miles west of Athens, the Lancaster campus serves a broad region of Central and Southeastern Ohio.
The city of Lancaster has a population of around 41,500, while Fairfield County—where the majority of OHIO Lancaster students reside—has nearly 165,000 residents. Additionally, students commute from neighboring counties including Franklin, Ross, Hocking, Pickaway, and Perry, as well as many other communities across Ohio.
Origins & Early Growth
Following the transformative impact of the 1944 GI Bill, which expanded college access to millions of World War II veterans, »¨¼¾´«Ã½ responded to growing demand by creating regional branches in several Ohio communities.
These branches, originally emergency measures, evolved into permanent regional campuses supported by community involvement. By the 1950s, »¨¼¾´«Ã½ had expanded to five regional campuses, including the OHIO Lancaster campus founded in 1956 after local petitioning.
OHIO Lancaster’s early classes began in Lancaster High School, leading to a successful fundraising campaign to build a dedicated campus, helping broaden educational and cultural opportunities throughout the region.
Expansion & Development
In 1965, Fairfield County commissioners donated 45 acres of land — formerly a farm supporting the county home — to serve as the initial site for the Lancaster campus, now its northern section. Later that year, the »¨¼¾´«Ã½ Lancaster Development Fund was created to raise money for additional land purchases. A memorial gift helped acquire 65 more acres to the south by mid-1966.
John T. Brasee Hall opened in September 1968, named after a notable 19th-century Lancaster attorney and »¨¼¾´«Ã½ alumnus. Brasee’s legacy included a distinguished legal career and public service in Ohio.
Following significant growth after 1970, Herrold Hall was built in 1976 at a cost of about $2 million. Funded by a local campaign, the building honors Gordon Herrold, a longtime engineering executive in Lancaster and descendant of a family linked to »¨¼¾´«Ã½â€™s historic Athens campus.
Herrold Hall housed industrial and computer labs as well as an art studio. In 2000, a terrace behind the hall was dedicated to Gordon’s wife, Lucille Nazor Herrold.
Modernization & Improvements
In 2003, a Master Plan guided renovations, including a new main entrance at Brasee Hall, updates to the library and gymnasium, and improved campus facilities.
Between 2015 and 2020, further upgrades added the Jane Johnsen Center for Learning and Student Success, revamped the Wagner Theatre, expanded dining services, and relocated the Wilkes Gallery, enhancing the campus experience for students and staff.
In 2020, OHIO Lancaster joined forces with Fairfield County Commissioners, »¨¼¾´«Ã½â€™s Russ College of Engineering, and Hocking College to establish the Fairfield County Workforce Center. This center offers training programs in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare. The collaboration emphasizes economic growth through workforce training and development.
In 2023, the Joyce N. Herrold, M.D. Nursing Program was launched, accompanied by renovations on the 4th floor to create a state-of-the-art nursing lab. Then, in 2024, OHIO Lancaster participated in the grand opening of a new Engineering Tech Lab at the Fairfield County Workforce Center—a multi million dollar facility funded by the State of Ohio to advance engineering education.
About Lancaster and Fairfield County
Lancaster is a historic and thriving community located 31 miles southeast of Columbus. The town was founded in 1800 and was part of the eighth county to be formed as part of the Northwest Territory - Fairfield County. The two of Lancaster was founded by Colonel Ebenezer Zane of Wheeling, West Virginia. Zane was a famous merchant, trail blazer, pioneer, and soldier.
Located at the intersection of U.S. 22, 33, and S.R. 37, Lancaster is the county seat of Fairfield County. is home to several large and small manufacturing service industry employers that produce glass, packaging products, steel fasteners, plastic automotive parts and welded storage containers. A number of companies, including Glassware and Printing Solutions, call Fairfield County home.
In addition to new residential areas, well-kept houses of historic significance form pleasant, tree-lined residential neighborhoods. Lancaster was recognized as a "Best Hometown" by for 2023-2024 after several renovations and revitalization projects brought historical buildings back to life. Adjacent to downtown Lancaster is , featuring a playground, a catch-and-release fishing pond, & some magnificent hilltop views of the and area landmarks.
The city of Lancaster has a growing recreation program that includes disc golf, flag football, soccer, tennis and a program for youngsters. Lancaster is the home to the which has been around for over 175 years and is billed as "The Last and Best of the Season". The area's historic flavor is enhanced by the , and the expanding Fairfield County museums located downtown. In addition, several parks like , and the are within easy driving distance of the city and provide extensive recreational opportunities in the rolling hills and beautiful forests of southeastern Ohio. Lancaster is within easy driving distance of Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton.