Explore some of the key moments that have shaped the Heritage College over the past 50 years. Take a look back at milestones and memories that tell the story of our growth and impact.
Forever Forward
Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine's 50th Anniversary
Celebrating 50 Years
For half a century, the 51ĀŅĀ× Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has been shaping the future of healthāone physician, one community, and one breakthrough at a time. As the stateās top producer of primary care physicians and a national leader in rural and underserved care, weāve expanded from a single campus in Athens to three statewide locations. With compassion at our core and innovation in our DNA, we continue to lead with careāimpacting lives, advancing medicine, and staying true to our mission: to transform the health and well-being of communities in Ohio and beyond.
1st
Osteopathic Medical School in Ohio
30+ years
of Family Health radio programing offering consumer health information
1st
Black woman to be appointed as a medical school dean in the U.S.
World's First
transgenic mammal was developed here
50 Years in Photos
Explore images from across five decades of the Heritage College. As part of our 50th anniversary, weāre scanning and sharing photos from our archives and continuing to digitize more, so check back often.
Explore Our History
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Dean Biographies
Meet the leaders who have guided the Heritage College through five decades of growth and transformation. Learn more about our past and present deans and the lasting impact of their leadership.
Latest News
Explore the latest stories about our 50th anniversary
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Legislation that became a legacy: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
August 18, 2025
Fifty years ago, on Aug. 18, 1975, Ohio Gov. James A. Rhodes signed House Bill 229, creating what was then known as the 51ĀŅĀ× College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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51ĀŅĀ× Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrates 50th incoming class at annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony
August 12, 2025
In a milestone event, the 51ĀŅĀ× Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its 50th class during the 2025 Convocation and White Coat Ceremony.
51ĀŅĀ× is a proud partner of the Cleveland Guardians