Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is playing a central role in a transformative funding announcement made by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, aimed at strengthening housing, infrastructure, and services in western Lee County. This investment will support the LMU DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center (DVTC) and enhance quality of life for both the university community and locals.
“This investment is a game-changer—not just for LMU, but for the entire region,” said LMU President Jason McConnell, a lifelong resident of Lee County, Virginia. “Though my work is with Lincoln Memorial University, my heart is here in my home community. We’ve always believed in the potential of western Lee County, and with the state’s support, we can take bold steps that directly benefit our students, faculty, and neighbors. This is about building a future where education, community, and opportunity grow together.”
Youngkin visited the DVTC recently to make the announcement. The state is allocating $2.5 million for infrastructure tied to a new housing development that will include 115 units—composed of 55 townhomes, 38 duplexes, 9 triplexes, and 13 cottages. These homes will serve LMU students, faculty and staff, and help meet workforce housing needs throughout Lee County. The housing project will additionally involve constructing over 37,000 square yards of roadway, installing more than 6,600 linear feet of water lines, and enabling approximately 118 new utility connections.
In addition, a $3.2 million investment will fund the first phase of the Western Lee Wastewater Project. This phase includes construction of a wastewater treatment plant capable of processing 300,000 gallons per day, plus around 32.4 miles of new sewer lines to serve unserved parts of western Lee County. The project is expected to benefit up to 735 residents, businesses, and institutions, among them LMU itself.
Youngkin emphasized that these projects are more than infrastructure — they are foundational to the region’s future. “The development in western Lee County shows the true power of people working together,” the governor said. “With the commitment of this community, the leadership of Lincoln Memorial University, and the support of partners at every level, vision is becoming reality. We bring new homes, modern infrastructure, and a stronger economy. Most of all, the projects reflect Virginia’s commitment to helping rural communities grow and prosper to bring opportunity for residents, businesses, students, and families for generations to come.”
LMU Chairman of the Board O.V. Pete DeBusk spoke at the gathering explaining his vision for development of western Lee County.
“I would love to see this place grow,” DeBusk said. “The sewer line the Governor is helping with, that is the key to everything. That’s what is going to allow it to happen.”
The housing infrastructure funding includes $1 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission and $1.5 million from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. LMU is committing approximately $49 million in private investment toward sustaining and growing the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center.
The combined effort of housing, wastewater, and utilities demonstrates a strategic partnership between LMU, state and federal agencies, and the Lee County community. Together, these investments aim to support not only LMU’s educational mission but also long-term economic growth and improved quality of life in Southwest Virginia.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
