HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — James Madison University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today, October 26, 2026, for the new Health and Behavioral Studies Building. 

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction of a new six-story building adjacent to the existing Health and Behavioral Studies building.  

Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa said that space limits what some people are able to do in careers related to health.

“This expansion would help genuinely grow programs and give students more room to learn,” said Figueroa. “But what interests me the most is the connection between that education and the community around.”

The new facility, scheduled to open in fall 2029, will add 134,775 square feet of space for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies and will include space for teaching, research and clinical services for community members.

The General Assembly included $115.3 million for the new building in the state budget passed June 29.