Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--In line with a national trend among universities, Mississippi State soon will begin the process of contracting all of its campus dining services.
"We have conducted extensive research and determined that an external contractor can provide cost efficiencies that a stand-alone service cannot," said Bill Kibler, vice president for student affairs and the administrative officer who oversees campus dining units.
The university this week is discussing the transition with approximately 100 full- and part-time dining services employees, all of whom will maintain their campus employment with the management services company, he added.
As a next step, MSU will solicit written proposals from external vendors. A campus evaluation committee that includes student representatives will review the proposals and make recommendations before a final selection in January, Kibler said.
"In looking at other schools, especially around the Southeastern Conference, we found that Mississippi State is among a very few not making use of management services companies," Kibler explained.
"We believe this is a win-win situation for our students, our employees and the university," he said. "Because of their scale of operations, external companies can generate cost savings and provide an immediate response to market demands that individual services can't. Further, these companies have a proven track record of generating revenues necessary for growth and renovation."
He added that he anticipates a greater variety of food selections for MSU patrons and more frequent updates to menus.
"Additionally, these companies provide resources for capital improvements to dining facilities," he said.
"This arrangement ensures that we will provide for currently employed dining services personnel, as well as allowing Mississippi State to expand its campus dining experience and make the best use of financial resources," Kibler said.
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NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For additional information, contact Dr. Kibler at 662-325-3045.