Jax State Celebrates Opening of New Dining Hall

08/20/2024

On hand for the Aug. 19 ribbon cutting for the new JSU Dining Hall are, from left: Scott Williams, general manager of Sodexo; Dr. Alan Medders, JSU VP for Philanthropy; Anne Rankin, Sodexo District Manager; Kaitlyn Letson, SGA President; Aubry Wooten, Sodexo Senior VP; Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., JSU President; Dr. Christie Shelton, JSU Provost and Sr. VP for Academic Affairs; Mr. Terry Casey, VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; Mr. Greg Seitz, JSU Athletic Director; and Ms. Leigha Cauthen, JSU Chief External Affairs Officer. (JSU Photo)

Jacksonville State University celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Dining Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday afternoon. Replacing the 62-year-old Jack Hopper Dining Hall, the modern facility features expanded seating, a variety of food stations, and a welcoming environment for the entire campus community.

The completion of the dining hall was made possible by Jax State's longstanding partnership with Sodexo, which has served as the university's food service vendor for many years.   The project was a collaborative effort involving Brasfield & Gorrie as the construction contractor, Williams Blackstock & Associates as the architects, and Kemp Management Solutions as the project manager, all working together to bring the vision to life. 

"We are thrilled to celebrate this exciting day as we officially open the new Jax State Dining Hall," said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. "This leading-edge space represents the growth of our campus and the increasing need for a larger dining experience that truly caters to our needs and the community. We're incredibly proud of this facility and thankful for our partnership with Sodexo. It's an exciting time for Jax State, and this new Dining Hall is a testament to our ongoing commitment to enhancing student life on campus."

Aubry Wooten, Senior Vice President of Sodexo, highlighted the broader impact of the space, saying, "It's not just about facilities; it's also about educating students and helping them prepare for life beyond the classroom. Anytime you can build a facility that encourages students to come together, share stories, and engage with one another, you're helping them practice those life skills that are so important to them."

Kaitlyn Letson, President of Jax State's Student Government Association (SGA), echoed the sentiment, noting the significance of the new dining hall for student life. "This new dining hall will serve as a beautiful foundation for community fellowship and delicious food," Letson said. "I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who made this new beginning possible, from Sodexo to the Office of Business and Auxiliary Services, the construction crew who built the facility, and the students who are central to the purpose of Jacksonville State University."