Jax State Board of Trustees Honors Scott Williams with Dining Room Naming

04/15/2026

After nearly five decades in university dining—and nearly four decades serving his alma mater—Scott Williams is leaving a lasting mark on Jacksonville State University. 

The Jax State Board of Trustees has approved the naming of the Scott Williams Dining Room in recognition of his 47-year career in campus dining, including 37 years at Jax State. The honor, made possible through a gift from Sodexo, reflects a career defined by leadership, consistency, and a deep commitment to the campus community. 

“Scott has been a constant at Jax State for nearly five decades,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “He knows our people, he knows our students, and he has been part of their lives in ways that go far beyond dining services. Naming the Scott Williams Dining Room is a fitting way to recognize the impact he has had on this institution, and while his absence will be felt, his legacy will remain part of the daily experience on this campus.” 

Williams’ journey in higher education began in 1979 as a Jax State student, when he first entered university food service with Sodexo. What started as a student job became a lifelong profession, as he steadily rose through the ranks with a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and a focus on people. 

“I love this place and I love the people,” Williams said. “For 47 years, this has been more than a job—it has been family. To have the dining room named in my honor is something I never imagined, and I am truly grateful. I appreciate each and every one of you and the relationships that have meant so much to me over the years.” 

His career included leadership roles at multiple institutions, including seven years at the University of South Carolina. He later served as General Manager at Spartanburg Methodist College and Converse College before returning to Jax State in 1996. 

Back on campus, Williams took on the role of Retail Manager of the Theron Montgomery Building Food Court before being named General Manager of Campus Dining in 1998—a position he has held for nearly three decades. In that role, he oversaw daily dining operations while also guiding major transitions, including the move from Jack Hopper Dining Hall to the university’s new Dining Hall in July 2024. 

Through each phase of growth and change, Williams became a steady presence on campus—known not just for operational leadership, but for the relationships he built with students, faculty, staff, and colleagues. His approach to the work went beyond service, shaping the dining experience into a central part of campus life. 

A Jacksonville native, Williams has remained closely tied to the community and the university throughout his life. He and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 39 years, and their four daughters are all Jax State graduates. 

Williams will retire on April 28, 2026, closing a chapter that spans nearly half a century in higher education dining. 

With the naming of the Scott Williams Dining Room, Jax State ensures his impact will remain part of the daily student experience—fitting recognition for a career spent serving others.