Wright State University is a public research university located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, United States, a suburb of Dayton. Originally operating as a branch campus for Ohio State University and Miami University, Wright State became independent in 1967. Its name was chosen in honor of aviation pioneers the Wright brothers, who were residents in the local area. In 1969, a 173-acre (70 ha) branch campus opened on the shore of Grand Lake St. Marys in Celina, Ohio.