Oak Ridge Associated Universities ORAU

Overview

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a non-profit consortium of over 160 U.S. universities and research institutions headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Established in 1946 as the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies (ORINS), ORAU collaborates with federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to advance national priorities in science, education, health, and security. Through its extensive network, ORAU provides innovative solutions to complex challenges, leveraging academic expertise and research capabilities.

History and Legal Framework

ORAU was founded on October 17, 1946, by Dr. William G. Pollard, a physics professor at the University of Tennessee, as the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies (ORINS). The organization was incorporated by the State of Tennessee to facilitate collaboration between universities and the newly established Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In 1966, ORINS was renamed Oak Ridge Associated Universities to reflect its expanded mission beyond nuclear studies. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, ORAU operates under U.S. federal regulations and maintains a contractual relationship with the DOE to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and other programs.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

According to ORAU, its mission is to benefit the public by integrating academia, government, and industry to advance the nation's learning, health, and scientific priorities. The organization's vision is to be the recognized leader when national priorities require innovative solutions. ORAU's objectives include:

• Facilitating collaborative research and development initiatives.
• Providing educational and training opportunities in science and engineering.
• Supporting national security and emergency preparedness efforts.
• Promoting public health and environmental stewardship.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

ORAU is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from its member institutions. The organization operates independently as a non-profit entity, with a leadership team responsible for strategic direction and day-to-day operations. The President and CEO, Andy Page, leads the organization, supported by senior directors overseeing various program areas. ORAU's structure enables it to respond flexibly to national priorities while maintaining accountability to its member institutions and stakeholders.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While ORAU does not serve as an accrediting body, it plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of higher education through its programs and initiatives. By facilitating access to federal research facilities and providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage in collaborative research, ORAU contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the development of a skilled workforce. Additionally, ORAU's management of ORISE supports the professional development of individuals in the scientific and technical fields, further promoting quality in higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ORAU primarily operates within the United States; however, its collaborations often have international implications. Through its partnerships with federal agencies and research institutions, ORAU contributes to global scientific endeavors, particularly in areas such as nuclear energy, environmental science, and public health. While specific international memberships are not detailed, ORAU's work supports global scientific and educational objectives through its domestic programs and partnerships.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ORAU's impact on higher education is multifaceted. By providing access to research opportunities and fostering collaborations between academia and federal agencies, ORAU enhances the educational experience for students and faculty. The organization's programs support the development of a skilled workforce equipped to address national and global challenges. Looking forward, ORAU aims to continue its role in advancing science and education, adapting to emerging priorities and fostering innovation in higher education.

Summary

Oak Ridge Associated Universities is a pivotal organization in the U.S. higher education landscape, facilitating collaboration between universities and federal agencies to address national priorities. Through its extensive network and diverse programs, ORAU contributes to the advancement of science, education, and public welfare. Its ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures its continued relevance and impact in the evolving field of higher education.

FAQs

1. What is Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)?

   ORAU is a non-profit consortium of over 160 U.S. universities and research institutions that collaborates with federal agencies to advance national priorities in science, education, health, and security.

2. When was ORAU established?

   ORAU was founded on October 17, 1946, as the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies (ORINS) and was renamed in 1966 to reflect its expanded mission.

3. What is ORAU's mission?

   ORAU's mission is to benefit the public by integrating academia, government, and industry to advance the nation's learning, health, and scientific priorities.

4. How is ORAU governed?

   ORAU is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from its member institutions, with a leadership team responsible for strategic direction and operations.

5. Does ORAU provide accreditation?

   No, ORAU does not serve as an accrediting body but contributes to the enhancement of higher education quality through its programs and initiatives.

Organization Name

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

Acronym

ORAU

Year of Establishment

1/01/1946

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

Over 100

Address

MC100-44; PO Box 117
Oak Ridge
37831-0117 Tennessee United States

Phone

+1 (865) 576 3146

Fax

+1 (865) 241 2923

List of universities that are members of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU):

Alabama

• Alabama A&M University
• Auburn University
• Tuskegee University
• University of Alabama
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Alabama in Huntsville
• University of South Alabama

Arizona

• Arizona State University
• University of Arizona

Arkansas

• Arkansas State University
• University of Arkansas

California

• University of California - Davis

Colorado

• Colorado State University
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Colorado Denver

Connecticut

• Yale University

Delaware

• University of Delaware

Florida

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Florida A&M University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Florida International University
• Florida State University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of Miami
• University of South Florida

Georgia

• Augusta University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Emory University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Mercer University
• Spelman College
• University of Georgia
• University of West Georgia

Idaho

• Idaho State University

Illinois

• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

Indiana

• Indiana University Bloomington
• Indiana University Indianapolis
• Purdue University
• University of Notre Dame

Iowa

• Des Moines University
• Iowa State University

Kansas

• Wichita State University

Kentucky

• Berea College
• Eastern Kentucky University
• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville
• Western Kentucky University

Louisiana

• Louisiana State University
• Southern University and A&M College
• Tulane University
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Maryland

• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Maryland
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Massachusetts

• Tufts University
• University of Massachusetts Lowell

Michigan

• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Oakland University
• University of Michigan
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University

Mississippi

• Jackson State University
• Mississippi State University
• University of Mississippi
• University of Southern Mississippi

Missouri

• Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Saint Louis University
• University of Missouri
• University of Missouri - St. Louis
• Washington University in St. Louis

Nebraska

• University of Nebraska Medical Center

Nevada

• University of Nevada, Reno

New Jersey

• Rutgers University

New Mexico

• Navajo Technical University
• University of New Mexico

New York

• City College of New York
• Columbia University
• Syracuse University
• University at Albany

North Carolina

• Appalachian State University
• Duke University
• East Carolina University
• Fayetteville State University
• Johnson C. Smith University
• North Carolina A&T State University
• North Carolina State University
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Wake Forest University
• Western Carolina University

Ohio

• Air Force Institute of Technology
• Ohio State University
• Ohio University
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Toledo

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma State University
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• University of Tulsa

Oregon

• Portland State University

Pennsylvania

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Drexel University
• Lehigh University
• Mercyhurst University
• Penn State University
• Temple University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• University of Pittsburgh
• Villanova University

South Carolina

• Clemson University
• College of Charleston
• South Carolina State University
• University of South Carolina

South Dakota

• University of South Dakota

Tennessee

• East Tennessee State University
• Lincoln Memorial University
• Maryville College
• Meharry Medical College
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Tennessee State University
• Tennessee Technological University
• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Vanderbilt University

Texas

• Rice University
• Southern Methodist University
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Southern University
• Texas Tech University
• University of Houston
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Texas at Dallas
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Texas Permian Basin
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Utah

• University of Utah
• Utah State University

Virginia

• College of William and Mary
• George Mason University
• Marymount University
• University of Virginia
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Tech

Washington, D.C.

• Catholic University of America
• George Washington University
• Howard University
• University of the District of Columbia

Wisconsin

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Oak Ridge Associated Universities's Wikipedia article

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