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Jax State Celebrates Opening of West Village Residence Hall (PHOTOS and B-ROLL Included)

University's largest residence hall opens ahead of fall semester, expanding campus housing and enhancing the upper-class student experience

Jacksonville, AL (07/15/2026) — LINK TO DOWNLOAD PHOTOS and B-ROLL (credit Jax State Digital Media Services)

Jacksonville State University celebrated another milestone in its ongoing campus transformation Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house celebrating the completion of West Village, the University's largest residence hall and one of the largest construction projects in institutional history.

University leaders, members of the Jax State Board of Trustees, the Jax State Foundation, construction partners, faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the $87 million project, which will welcome students for the Fall 2026 semester.

Located on the west side of campus, West Village features 717 beds across 206 apartment-style units within a 256,545-square-foot, four-story complex. The development includes ample parking, 16 meeting rooms for student organizations, study spaces, social lounges, a game room, and other amenities designed to enhance the upper-class student experience.

Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., said West Village represents the next chapter in the University's long-term vision for campus housing by providing upper-class students with an environment that prepares them for life after graduation.

"This facility brings in a new chapter for our university housing," Dr. Killingsworth said. "This facility will allow upper-class students to begin that transition into functioning as adults as they work toward that degree completion."

Designed to build upon the residential experience students begin as freshmen in North Village, West Village offers apartment-style living with full kitchens or kitchenettes, in-unit washers and dryers, and dedicated gathering spaces for student organizations.

Killingsworth said the project reflects Jax State's continued investment in meeting the evolving needs of its students.

"This is the largest project we have ever taken on at the institution," he said. "It really is going to transform this area of campus, and just hold on, we're not done yet. There's a lot still to come."

Speaking on behalf of the Jax State Board of Trustees, Trustee Drew Linn said West Village is an investment in the University's future because it is an investment in its students.

"West Village represents far more than a new residence hall," Linn said. "It reflects what can be accomplished when dedicated partners come together thinking about the most important asset we have. That's our students."

Linn said the project was shaped by student feedback and will become home to memories that last long after graduation.

"Today, we celebrate more than a beautiful facility," he said. "We celebrate the students who will be coming through here, and they'll soon call West Village home."

Student Government Association President Bethany Stoots said students have eagerly anticipated the opening of West Village and the opportunities it creates for campus life.

With gathering spaces overlooking athletic venues, apartment-style living, and dedicated meeting rooms for student organizations, she said the residence hall will quickly become a hub of student activity.

"I'm excited to hear about all the memories that will be made here, all the late nights studying, all the getting ready for football games, and all the stories that start with, 'You remember when...' and it has something to do with this building," Stoots said.

The project was made possible through a partnership between the University, the JSU Foundation, and numerous design, construction, and financial partners.

JSU Foundation Board President Terry Smiley said the Foundation remains committed to investing in projects that enrich campus life.

"For us, it's all about enhancing the student experience," Smiley said. "Today is an exciting day as we're celebrating a fantastic facility that will improve the quality of the student experience here at Jax State."

Vice President for Philanthropy Dr. Alan Medders recognized the many University leaders, Foundation members, and construction partners whose collaboration made the project possible and thanked those who helped bring West Village from concept to completion.

Medders thanked the University's many public and private partners whose collaboration brought the project to life.

Immediately following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the new residence hall during a self-guided open house, experiencing firsthand the apartment-style units, collaborative study areas, student organization spaces, and premium amenities that will soon become home to more than 700 Gamecocks.

West Village welcomes its first residents later this month as students return to campus for the Fall 2026 semester.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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