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Universities today face mounting pressure to expand and modernize their campuses amid tightening budgets and shifting demographics. In this episode of The Construction Insiders Podcast, host Jessica Busch sits down with Vanderbilt University’s, James Kellerhouse and Matt Riethmiller, alongside Cumming Group Vice President RJ Panda, to discuss how higher education institutions are approaching growth with strategic financial discipline.
 
The discussion explores Vanderbilt’s “Dare to Grow” initiative, the university’s multi-campus development in New York’s Chelsea district, and the enduring importance of place-based learning in an era defined by technology and hybrid models. The panel also unpacks key challenges and opportunities—navigating regulatory hurdles, de-risking projects through phased delivery, integrating subtle technology into historic buildings and leveraging third-party partnerships.
 
For professionals involved in capital planning, project delivery, or campus strategy, this episode offers a thoughtful playbook for building intelligently amid uncertainty.

*Clips of Vanderbilt University content are used by permission. Vanderbilt University does not sponsor or endorse this podcast.