A Big Boost for Health Education at ODU

Old Dominion University is getting a major upgrade in health education. A generous gift of $15 million from Joan Brock is making this happen. This money will create the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health. The goal? To make nutrition a big part of medical training and research. Joan Brock knows a thing or two about health. She's a three-time cancer survivor. She believes that good food and exercise played a big role in her recovery. This experience inspired her to support this new program. The new institute will focus on teaching future doctors about nutrition. It will also do research and help the community. The plan is to start a new Master of Science in nutrition degree. The first students will join in fall 2026. First things first, the university will hire an executive director. They will also add nutrition classes to existing programs. Community outreach and research will be important too. Joan Brock hopes this program will set an example. She wants other medical schools to follow suit. After all, healthy doctors can better guide their patients. The Brocks have a history of giving back. They've supported many causes and institutions in Virginia. This new gift is just another way they're making a difference.