$15 million gift from philanthropist Joan Broc launches new school of nutrition and lifestyle medicine
Old Dominion University will establish a new School of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine thanks to a landmark $15 million gift from philanthropist Joan Broc, marking one of the most significant donations in the university’s history and a turning point in its strategy to address the rise of preventable chronic disease.
The announcement, made this week in Norfolk, positions ODU as a national leader in a rapidly expanding discipline that integrates nutrition, movement science, and preventive health into mainstream medical training.
Broc, known for her deep commitment to community wellness and health equity, said her philanthropy reflects a belief that the healthcare system must shift from treating disease after it occurs to preventing it in the first place.
“Too many families struggle with illnesses that could have been avoided with the right knowledge and support,” she said.
“Old Dominion University is uniquely positioned to create a model for how nutrition and lifestyle medicine can transform lives, and I am honored to help make that vision possible.”
University President Brian O. Hemphill called the gift transformational, noting that it will allow ODU to build a comprehensive academic and clinical ecosystem focused on prevention, long-term well-being, and community engagement.
The school will be housed within the College of Health Sciences and will include new degree pathways, faculty recruitment, expanded research labs, and clinical programs designed to serve both students and the wider Hampton Roads community.
Early plans also include developing a Lifestyle Medicine Clinic open to the public and partnering with local hospitals, nonprofits, and school districts.
The need for such an initiative has become increasingly urgent. Across the United States, chronic diseases tied to diet, inactivity, and environmental factors—such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and hypertension—continue to surge.
Virginia is no exception, with public health officials pointing to nutrition insecurity, limited access to preventive care, and widening disparities in health outcomes as significant challenges.
Experts at ODU say the university’s new school will be built around tackling these issues through evidence-based interventions that blend scientific research with practical, everyday tools for healthier living.
Faculty members and regional leaders have welcomed the announcement, noting that the Hampton Roads region—where chronic disease rates are among the highest in the state—will benefit from expanded community programs, student training, and accessible wellness resources.
The school is expected to become a regional hub for training physicians, dietitians, health coaches, and community health workers in approaches that emphasize prevention, behavior change, and whole-person care.
Planning for the school will begin immediately, with academic programs expected to roll out in stages over the coming years.
The university will also host community events, seminars, and public lectures to introduce the broader goals of the initiative and raise awareness of lifestyle-based health strategies.
For Broc, the gift represents not just an investment in the university but a catalyst for a broader cultural shift.
“We have the knowledge to help people live healthier, longer lives,” she said.
“Now the challenge is making sure that knowledge reaches every family and every community.”
With this historic donation, Old Dominion University hopes to shape that future—one in which the foundations of health are laid long before illness takes root.