A historic addition

Posted by Nancy Humphrey on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Around the Medical Center, Spring 2025 .

In October 2024, Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced the naming of the new expansion tower for Vanderbilt University Hospital as the Jim Ayers Tower in recognition of Janet and Jim Ayers’ philanthropic legacy and abiding interest in improving the health care and quality of life for Tennesseans.

The naming of the 15-level, 470,000-square-foot tower, currently under construction between 21st Avenue South and Medical Center Drive on the Main Campus in Nashville, honors the couple’s steadfast community leadership and longtime connection to VUMC. The tower is scheduled to open its first floor — Level 7 — in October.

A Parsons, Tennessee, native, Ayers has achieved business successes in financial services, real estate and health care ventures, and he is widely recognized for increasing educational opportunities for young people. In 1999, he established The Ayers Foundation, now known as the Ayers Foundation Trust, which supports a wide range of programs and institutions.

“We are honored to announce the Jim Ayers Tower, which will allow us to better fulfill the mission of Vanderbilt University Medical Center to make health care personal for the patients we serve. The tower’s new space is essential as we expand to meet the needs of our rapidly growing Middle Tennessee communities,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

“As our largest facility expansion to date, this structure is being named to recognize the unparalleled dedication of Janet and Jim Ayers to the health and well-being of all Tennesseans.”

The Ayerses expressed their gratitude at having the tower named in Jim’s honor.

“To have my name connected with empowering access to health care is the honor of a lifetime,” Jim Ayers said. “This isn’t just a building but rather a space for families to receive care that can improve their lives. I’m humbled that it also represents how much Janet and I value the well-being of everyone in the community and that it will stand as a reminder long into the future of the importance of helping people.”

“Jim and I hold Nashville and all of Tennessee close to our hearts,” said Janet Ayers, who spent her career in health care administration. “The Jim Ayers Tower reflects the principles we share with VUMC of serving others and ensuring the best quality of life, including for those who may otherwise be underserved. We are so touched to see Jim recognized in such a meaningful way.”