In 1938, the presidents of Bowling Green State University, Kent State University and Ohio University joined Miami University and Ohio State University in a mutual protective association on behalf of all five state universities. The Inter-University Council (IUCO) came into being in 1939 in large measure to protect the long-term interests of all. The five founding campuses initially focused on three areas of commitment: to recognize the exclusive mission of Ohio State to award the doctor's degree in graduate study; to present to the administration and legislature and agreed upon position of operating and capital needs of all five institutions and to defend these in concert; and to cooperate in all legislation and other public interest concerning the state universities.
As of 2010 the association represents Ohio's 14 public universities.
From the guide to the Inter-University Council of Ohio records, 1939-1969, (Ohio University)
