JMU breaks ground on new health building, discusses urgent healthcare needs

James Madison University leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers and community partners gathered Monday to discuss healthcare workforce challenges facing Virginia and celebrate a major investment in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The day began with JMU's Integrated Care and Workforce Action Forum, which brought together leaders from healthcare, government and related organizations for a facilitated discussion about workforce shortages, patient care needs, and opportunities to strengthen integrated healthcare and behavioral health education and services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

University officials, state leaders and community partners also broke ground Monday on JMU's new Health and Behavioral Studies Building, a six-story facility that will expand the university's capacity to educate healthcare professionals and provide clinical services for community members.

Scheduled to open in fall 2029, the 134,775-square-foot building will provide space for teaching, research and community-based clinical services. The facility will include classrooms, simulation laboratories and collaborative learning environments designed to support the growing needs of JMU's College of Health and Behavioral Studies.

A $115.3 million investment approved by the Virginia General Assembly made the project possible. State funding provides the foundation for the new facility and donor support remains essential to help make it a state-of-the-art environment for healthcare education. Private gifts will support tools, equipment and technology that prepare students for their future careers and keep learning spaces responsive to advances in healthcare.

“Virginia’s health and workforce needs are changing, and JMU has an important role to play in helping meet those needs,” JMU President Jim Schmidt said. “This investment gives us greater capacity to prepare talented professionals, grow programs where the need is greatest, and work alongside partners across the Commonwealth. What excites me most is the potential for the work that happens here to be felt well beyond our campus, in the communities and organizations our graduates will serve.”

Participants in the workforce forum emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, government agencies and higher education institutions in addressing workforce shortages and improving healthcare access.

The new building will help support increased enrollment in programs that address critical workforce needs across Virginia, including nursing and other health professions. It also will expand opportunities for hands-on learning, research and community engagement.