Sodexo will become the food service provider at Arkansas Tech University on Wednesday, July 1.
“Proper nutrition is an essential aspect of student well-being and success,” said Suzanne McCall, ATU vice president for administration and finance. “When students purchase a meal plan from Arkansas Tech or visit one of our on-campus quick service dining options, it is important to them and important to the university that they are pleased with what they are paying for. We want to provide that same high level of quality, variety and value to individuals who wish to cater an event at Arkansas Tech or enjoy items from the concession stand at one of our athletic events.
“All of that is why we invested the time necessary over the past 18 months to hear student concerns and evaluate our best available option to better serve our students and guests,” continued McCall. “That process, which included the opportunity to experience food service operations at other universities and significant input from ATU Student Government Association, revealed to us that Sodexo is the food service vendor that is best positioned to enhance our campus community. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to the improvements coming to Arkansas Tech food service beginning this fall.”
Justin Lewandowski, an ATU alumnus, will serve as Sodexo general manager for operations at Arkansas Tech.
One of the most visible aspects of the transition early in the fall 2026 semester will be the opening of Tech Xpress inside Ferguson Student Union. It will offer pizza, sub sandwiches and grab-and-go salads and wraps as well as fresh fruit bowls.
Plans also call for Sodexo to offer students increased specialty dinners in Chambers Cafeteria and other events designed to enhance the dining experience at Arkansas Tech.
“Sodexo is responsive to student needs and wants,” said McCall. “Through this partnership, we will create an environment at Chambers Cafeteria that is more conducive to the enjoyment and comfort of our students. Justin and his team understand the effect that food service has on the student experience, and they are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive dining experience.
“Some of the changes will be immediate and obvious,” continued McCall. “Others will develop during the 2026-27 academic year as Sodexo personnel have the opportunity to interact with more ATU students and identify their unique needs. That feedback from our student body will be critical in the success of this partnership. Sodexo understands what worked on another campus might or might not work here. Their willingness to listen to the client and listen to students is among the distinguishing characteristics that make this the right partnership for Arkansas Tech.”
One of the initiatives that will be developed and implemented during the 2026-27 academic year is participation by Arkansas Tech and Sodexo in the national Swipe Out Hunger program. Sodexo will establish a meal swipe bank that can be accessed by ATU students facing food insecurity.
“This new partnership is an example of Arkansas Tech doing what we do best…listening to students,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “We value our students’ opinions and are responsive to them in support of their academic and personal success.”
Visit www.atu.edu/foodservice to learn more about Arkansas Tech’s on-campus dining and catering options.
TECH ACTION
Leave a Reply