Skip to Content

Jacksonville State University

  • Sign in to your Merit page
« Back to Recent News

Jax State Celebrates Opening of New Dining Hall

by Josh Underwood

JACKSONVILLE (08/20/2024) — 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."

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

Media Attachments

Jacksonville State University

Josh Underwood, 256-453-0545, underwood@jsu.edu

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Jax State FCCLA Wins Big at National Conference
  • Jax State's James Nichols Becomes First Pi Kappa Phi Member from Delta Epsilon Chapter to Join Journey of Hope Supporting People with Disabilities
  • Jacksonville State University Receives $2.4 Million HRSA Grant to Build Trauma-Informed Rural Mental Health Workforce
  • A Cappella Choir Wins Fourth Place at First International Competition
  • Longleaf Studios at Jax State Wins Two Southeast Emmys for Documentary Films
  • Jacksonville State Updates Master's Program to Reflect Expanding Landscape of the Sports Industry
  • Jax State's Dr. Benjamin Gross Receives $60,000 Competitive NEH Grant, Largest in School History
  • Jax State Lowers Dual Enrollment Tuition, Elevates Opportunities for High School Students
  • Public Relations Student Chapter Wins Multiple Honors at Best of the Best Student Awards
  • Public Invited to Free Screening of Jax State Documentary McClellan, A Life Saved on June 6
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out