Jacksonville State University Breaks Ground on West Village Housing Project
04/16/2025
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State University held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, for the West Village Housing Project, which will become the University's largest residence hall and a major addition to the western gateway of campus.
Hosted on site, the ceremony brought together university leaders, students, members of the Foundation Board, city officials, and construction partners to mark the start of a transformative student housing development.
"This is going to be an outstanding project for the life of the university, for our students, for the campus, and so many people have helped make this possible.," said Dr. Alan Medders, Vice President for Philanthropy.
The project is the result of a broad partnership that includes the Jax State Foundation, university leadership, and key contractors and developers. Among those recognized were Choate Construction, the Foresite Group, KMS, Niles Bolton and Associates, Rise Real Estate Company, and Stifel Bank & Trust.
Chairman of the Jax State Board of Trustees Randy Jones praised the University's growth and financial strength. "It's because of the story that this university has to tell across the country," Jones said. "It's because of the leadership of our President Don Killingsworth, our great board, also our great trustees and foundation board and what they're doing. This is a proud day not only for this school but also for this region and everyone involved."
Ken Howell, Treasurer of the Jax State Foundation Board, reflected on the significance of the project from the Foundation's perspective.
"The West Village Housing Project represents more than just a new building. It reflects our shared commitment to supporting student success and strengthening the future of Jax State," Howell said. "We're proud to stand alongside the university in making this vision a reality, and we look forward to seeing how West Village will positively impact generations of Gamecocks to come."
Speaking on behalf of the student body, SGA President Kaitlyn Letson said, "This new residence hall, which will be the largest residence hall on campus, is an investment in the future of Jacksonville State University. And I just have to say the future looks very bright."
Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the 700-bed apartment-style facility is part of a larger vision for campus transformation and something that was a result of a need expressed by the students. The University opened a new Freshman dorm, the North Village Housing Complex, before the fall of 2024. President Killingsworth emphasized the new West Village would be for upperclassmen.
"This is the largest project that we have ever undertaken as an institution and is upper-class student housing," Killingsworth said. "We've heard from our students, and our upper-class students say we need more of an opportunity to live on campus for them, and this is a result of that."
The West Village complex will feature units with full kitchens or kitchenettes, student organization spaces, and chapter rooms overlooking the University's soccer and baseball facilities. Construction is expected to be completed in time for students to move in by Fall 2026.
Killingsworth concluded, "We always want to show that we're growing in some fashion and that we're always adjusting for the student needs of today and the future. We appreciate all the university partners, and we're just really excited about how this is going to change our campus."
For more information on the West Village and available naming opportunities, visit here.