Jax State Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Scott Williams Dining Room
10/16/2026
Jacksonville State University officially dedicated the Scott Williams Dining Room during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14, recognizing a career spanning 47 years in university dining, including 37 years serving his alma mater, Jax State.
Made possible through a gift from Sodexo, the dedication recognizes Williams’ lasting contributions to the Jax State community and a career defined by leadership, consistency and a commitment to serving others.
“There's nothing more fitting to serve as a lasting legacy for Scott Williams than having his name affixed to this dining room,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. “It's about remembering Scott and what he did, and how he affected the lives of so many people across this campus for so many years.”
Williams began his career in university dining in 1979 as a Jax State student working with Sodexo. After gaining experience at several institutions, including the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg Methodist College and Converse College, he returned to Jax State in 1996. He became general manager of campus dining in 1998, overseeing daily operations and major transitions, including the move from Jack Hopper Dining Hall to the university’s current dining facility in 2024.
Throughout his career, Williams became a familiar and trusted presence on campus, building relationships with students, faculty, staff and colleagues that extended well beyond the dining hall. Killingsworth recalled how Williams regularly went out of his way to help members of the university community, from ensuring students had meals during difficult circumstances to delivering food to faculty and staff members who were ill or injured.
“Scott was always there,” Killingsworth said, reflecting on Williams’ dedication to the university. “It didn't matter. Seven days a week, 365 days for the full year, mostly.”
Cal Thetford, Sodexo’s senior vice president of operations for the Southeast, also recognized Williams’ contributions to both Jax State and the company. In addition to his campus dining leadership, Williams served as Sodexo’s regional safety champion, helping identify ways to protect employees and ensure their safety on the job.
Thetford noted that Williams’ 47-year career with Sodexo reflected an uncommon level of dedication and commitment to the people he served.
For Williams, the recognition reflects the relationships that made his career meaningful.
“I just want y’all to know that you’re all my family,” Williams said. “It’s all about the people, the time we spend together, and especially the good times we've had together.”
A Jacksonville native, Williams has remained closely connected to 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.
The dedication of the Scott Williams Dining Room ensures that his legacy will remain part of the daily experience on campus, honoring a career built on service, lasting relationships and a deep connection to the Jax State community.