Wright State University
This collection features fine art photography from Wright State University in Greene County… highlighting the Nutter Center, Dunbar Library, campus sculptures, and the academic landscape adjacent to Wright-Patterson AFB.
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History of Wright State University
Ohio has long been known for placing a college in nearly every small town. In the early 1960s, as the Miami Valley continued to grow, regional leaders believed a public university could help develop the high-tech workforce needed to support Dayton’s industries and the nearby Air Force Research Laboratory.
In 1963, the State of Ohio secured 428 acres adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Wright State University opened in September 1964 with 3,200 students — a bold investment in education tied directly to aerospace research and innovation.
The university’s name honors Dayton’s famous sons, Wilbur and Orville Wright, who perfected controlled flight just beyond campus at historic Huffman Prairie. From its beginning, Wright State has been tied to both academic advancement and aviation legacy.
Featured Landmarks of Wright State University
- Nutter Center: Opened 1 December 1990 and named after Ervin J. Nutter, the arena now hosts commencements, concerts, and NCAA events — a central venue for generations of graduates.
- Paul Laurence Dunbar Library: A light-filled academic anchor holding not only study space but archival materials tied to the Wright Brothers and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.
- Turning Points Sculpture (BART) : The iconic red sculpture by David Evans Black, affectionately called “Big Artsy Red Thing” by students, symbolizing the twists and transitions of college life.
- Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures: Dedicated in 2016, offering students leading-edge facilities for careers in motion picture production.
- Double Helix Sculpture: Created by Jon Barlow Hudson, representing DNA and standing before the Matthew O. Diggs III Laboratory for Life Science Research.
- The Quad: The traditional center of campus life, bordered by Fawcett, Oelman, Allyn, and Millett halls — remembered by many alumni in clockwise “FOAM” order.
Together, these landmarks define Wright State as a campus built on research, creativity, and forward momentum.
Art Prints of Wright State University
Wright State campus imagery resonates strongly with alumni, faculty, healthcare professionals, and businesses connected to the university community. Architecture framed by mature trees, sculptures against blue Ohio skies, and the familiar openness of the Quad translate beautifully into meaningful wall décor.
These fine art prints are frequently selected as graduation gifts, retirement pieces, and farewell presents for faculty and staff. They also serve as proud installations in businesses that support Wright State students and research partners.
Wright State draws students from across the Miami Valley and far beyond… yet the memories extend well past the classroom. Whether living in the dorms, walking the Quad, or commuting from nearby towns, alumni carry with them not only a degree, but a connection to the surrounding communities of Greene County. Explore the places that helped shape the Wright State experience below.
- Beavercreek Ohio Art Prints
- Bellbrook Ohio Art Prints
- Cedarville Ohio Art Prints
- Clifton Ohio Art Prints
- Fairborn Ohio Art Prints
- Jamestown Ohio Art Prints
- Spring Valley Ohio Art Prints
- Sugarcreek Township Ohio Art Prints
- Wilberforce Ohio Art Prints
- Wright-Patterson AFB Art Prints
- Xenia Ohio Art Prints
- Yellow Springs Ohio Art Prints