JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University and development partner RISE marked a major milestone in the University’s campus transformation Wednesday, July 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house celebrating the completion of West Village—Jax State’s largest residence hall and one of the largest construction projects in its history.

Developed by RISE through a public-private partnership (P3), the $87 million project represents the second phase of a multi-year housing collaboration with the University. RISE served as the P3 developer for Phase I—North Village Hall—and carried that partnership forward into West Village, which will welcome students for the Fall 2026 semester.

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 project. Located on the west side of campus, West Village features 717 beds across 206 apartment- and suite-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 upperclassman student experience. Building on the residential experience students begin as freshmen in RISE’s 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.

Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., praised the strength of the University’s partnership with RISE, which has now delivered two phases of campus housing. “We started our relationship several years ago… we ended up with North Village, then moved straight over to West Village,” Killingsworth said. “We appreciate that longstanding partnership, and we know who to call.”

Killingsworth said the project marks the next chapter in the University’s long-term housing vision. “This facility brings in a new chapter for our university housing,” he said. “This facility will allow upper-class students to begin that transition into functioning as adults as they work toward that degree completion.” He added, “This is the largest project we have ever taken on at the institution. 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.”

The public-private partnership model allowed the University to deliver premium student housing at scale while drawing on RISE’s development expertise. Speaking on behalf of the Jax State Board of Trustees, Trustee Drew Linn credited the collaboration. “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.” He noted the project was shaped by student feedback and will become home to lasting memories. “Today, we celebrate more than a beautiful facility. 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. 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 the partnership between RISE, the University, the JSU Foundation, and numerous design, construction, and financial partners. JSU Foundation Board President Terry Smiley said the Foundation remains committed to enriching 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 and thanked the many University leaders, Foundation members, and public and private partners, including RISE, whose collaboration brought West Village from concept to completion.

Immediately following the ribbon cutting, guests toured the 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.