The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) is geared for growth with the expansion of one of its buildings dedicated to biomedical sciences and research.
Distinguished guests of WVSOM joined the school in celebrating with a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Fredric W. Smith Science Building on Aug. 20.
The renovation and expansion of the building will more than double the existing space – with 28,523 square feet being added to the current 26,927-square-foot structure.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said the building has been valuable in its use for medical education and research efforts, but is operating at capacity, lacks room for expansion and is in need of renovation to correct and improve functionality.
“When we were putting together our master plan a number of years ago, I said to the administration and to the Board of Governors that we need an inspirational project. We need something that will move WVSOM forward, and there is need to improve the existing research facility to provide opportunities for our students and for our faculty and staff,” he said.
U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller said that a modern facility is important to conduct research at the medical school in Lewisburg.
“This will allow faculty and students to collaborate on so many things – histology, microscopy, imaging – but I’m from West Virginia and I’m also serving on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and I understand West Virginia’s challenges with obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. We are going to be doing that kind of research right here,” she said.
The project is funded by a $29 million appropriation from the West Virginia Legislature and a $6 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Justin McAllister, WVSOM’s chief financial officer, who oversees campus facilities, expects construction to begin in spring 2026 with an estimated project completion in 2027.
Linda Boyd, D.O., WVSOM’s chief academic officer, said the expansion is important in elevating research opportunities, attracting top faculty and researchers, and positioning WVSOM as a leading center of advanced research and education.
“The addition to the science building will enhance research and education by providing modern laboratories for biomedical investigation, including support for novel alternative methods, such as computational modeling of biological systems, intelligent drug design and systems biology,” she said. “The space will foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the basic, clinical and translational sciences, enriching student learning and engagement in emerging areas of medical science.”
The building will contain seven faculty labs, two open research labs, two anatomy labs, one fresh tissue lab and five lab support rooms. The space also will include a vivarium and gross anatomy suite with forensic pathology and autopsy capabilities on the first and second floors.
WVSOM will encourage external research partners to locate lab operations in the facility, as the school is dedicating the third floor to private and public research space.
WVSOM is collaborating with the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, the West Virginia Bioscience Association, Bio International, West Virginia University and Marshall University to attract investment in the region and to the state.
“By working together, there is a greater chance to serve as an economic engine for West Virginia,” Nemitz said. “One of WVSOM’s goals is to establish the institution as a bioscience research hub in the region and contribute to West Virginia’s bioscience ecosystem.”
Edward Tucker Architects of Huntington, W.Va., and Hasenstab Architects of Akron, Ohio, are designing the project. Engineers are Scheeser Buckley Mayfield, Schaefer Engineering and GAI Consultants.
Distinguished guest participants included U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller; West Virginia State Sen. Vince Deeds; West Virginia State Sen. and WVSOM Alumnus Tom Takubo, D.O.; West Virginia Del. Vernon Criss; West Virginia Del. Jeff Campbell; Lewisburg Mayor Beverly White; Greenbrier County Commissioner Tammy Tincher; WVSOM Board of Governors Chair and Alumnus Fred Morgan, D.O.; U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito Senior Field Representative Todd Gunter; West Virginia Division of Economic Development Project Manager Kelsey Staggers; Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Ruthana Beezley; Edward Tucker Architects President Phoebe Patton Randolph; West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association President and WVSOM Alumnus Michael Antolini, D.O.; WVSOM Alumni Association President and WVSOM Alumnus Manuel Ballas, D.O.; WVSOM Foundation President Bradley Harris; and many members of WVSOM’s administrative cabinet.
The event was followed by networking opportunities and live music in downtown Lewisburg.
