James Madison University broke ground Monday, Oct. 26, on a new Health and Behavioral Studies Building in Harrisonburg, the university said in an announcement published that day. JMU said the six-story facility is intended to expand healthcare education and community clinical services.
The 134,775-square-foot building is scheduled to open in fall 2029, according to JMU. The university said it will include classrooms, simulation laboratories and collaborative learning spaces for teaching, research and community-based clinical services.
JMU said the project is supported by a $115.3 million investment approved by the Virginia General Assembly. The university said private donations will help fund equipment, tools and technology for the facility.
Before the groundbreaking, JMU hosted an Integrated Care and Workforce Action Forum, the announcement said. Healthcare, government and related-organization leaders discussed workforce shortages, patient-care needs and ways to strengthen integrated healthcare and behavioral-health education and services, particularly in rural and underserved communities, according to JMU.
The university said the building will support increased enrollment in nursing and other health professions, as well as hands-on learning, research and community engagement.
