JMU Breaks Ground on $115.3 Million Health Building

James Madison University broke ground on a six-story, 134,775-square-foot Health and Behavioral Studies building, funded with $115.3 million from Virginia and a $3.5 million gift. Scheduled to open in fall 2029, the facility will expand space for teaching, research, simulation-based training and community clinical services, supporting growth in nursing and other health professions. The groundbreaking coincided with a forum where university, government and health care leaders discussed workforce shortages, patient-care needs and improving access to integrated health and behavioral services, especially in rural and underserved communities. Participants emphasized collaboration among higher education, government and health care providers as a way to address Virginia’s needs.