ODU gets $15M gift from Brock to launch nutrition institute

Old Dominion University has received a $15 million gift from philanthropist Joan Brock to establish a nutrition and lifestyle medicine institute.

The Norfolk-based university says the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health is a multidisciplinary hub, academic unit and research center that will bring nutrition and lifestyle medicine into medical and health professions education, basic science and translational research, clinical innovation and community health.

“The generosity of Joan Brock continues to enable and better position our faculty and researchers to change the culture of health care with our students through clinical practice and in the communities they serve,” ODU President Brian O. Hemphill said in a statement.

Brock, whose late husband, Macon, co-founded Fortune 500 discount retailer Dollar Tree, said her gift was inspired by her personal recovery from a life-threatening illness. She attributes her improved health to a combination of medical treatment, careful nutrition, exercise and changed lifestyle habits.

“I am thrilled to be part of this because I’ve been practicing this for 15 years now,” Brock said in a statement. “I hope the institute makes a difference in people’s lives — just watch how our health care changes as a result and how our bodies change, how our lives are extended and the quality of our lives improves.”

ODU has created a Master of Science in Nutrition program that will enroll its first students in fall 2026, with an option for medical students to pursue a combined M.D. and master’s degree. A metabolic kitchen designed to prepare and analyze meals is expected to be operational in 2027 and will support both teaching and research.

“Once fully operational, the institute will integrate sound nutrition and lifestyle medicine into medical and health professionals’ education, conduct basic science and translational research, administer lifestyle medicine through our patient clinics and serve our community through community-based programs,” said Dr. Alfred Abuhamad, executive vice president for Health Sciences, in a statement.

ODU said the institute arrives as chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers account for 90 percent of the nation’s $4.5 trillion annual health care costs. Yet, most medical students receive fewer than 20 hours of nutrition education.

Hampton Roads experiences disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases, ranking among the top three areas nationally for colorectal cancer mortality. ODU reports that in Norfolk, the stroke mortality rate exceeds 50 deaths per 100,000.

University leaders say integrating nutrition and lifestyle medicine into training is essential to reversing these trends.

The institute is currently in its planning phase. ODU has formed a steering committee and launched a national search for its inaugural executive director, aiming to fill the position by spring 2026. The new director will determine specific research conducted by the institute in response to community needs.

Abuhamad said Brock’s investment provides both seed funding for establishing and operationalizing the institute, plus an endowment for long-term sustainability. He added that fundraising and the pursuit of extramural grants for research initiatives are ongoing.

The Brocks have donated toward many community projects at ODU, including the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences academic health center at ODU, the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health, and the expansion of the Barry Art Museum.

ODU’s current enrollment across all five schools within Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences is more than 4,400, with approximately 460 medical residents in training.