Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the West Village Housing Project, a transformative student housing initiative that will become the largest residence hall on campus. The event, held on-site at the future location, brought together university leadership, students, city officials, members of the Foundation Board, and construction partners to mark the beginning of this significant 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 West Village Housing Project is the result of a wide-ranging collaboration between the Jax State Foundation, university leadership, and development partners. Recognized at the event were Choate Construction, the Foresite Group, KMS, Niles Bolton and Associates, Rise Real Estate Company, and Stifel Bank & Trust—each playing a key role in bringing the vision to life.
Randy Jones, Chairman of the JSU Board of Trustees, emphasized the university’s upward trajectory. “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 Foundation Board, noted the broader significance of the project. “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,” he said. “We’re proud to stand alongside the university in making this vision a reality.”
Student Government Association President Kaitlyn Letson shared the enthusiasm of the student body. “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.”
JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. emphasized that the 700-bed, apartment-style facility will be specifically designed for upperclassmen—a direct response to student feedback and housing needs.
“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 include units with full kitchens or kitchenettes, student organization meeting spaces, and chapter rooms with views of the university’s soccer and baseball fields. It follows the recent addition of the North Village Housing Complex, which opened before the Fall 2024 semester to house freshman students.
Construction of West Village is expected to be completed in time for the Fall 2026 semester.
“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,” Killingsworth said. “We appreciate all the university partners, and we’re just really excited about how this is going to change our campus.”
