NMSU Signs Agreement to Work With Sodexo for Campus Enhancement Initiatives
New Mexico State University and Sodexo have signed a master collaboration agreement – an overarching, umbrella agreement where NMSU and Sodexo agree to work together to find innovative solutions to benefit both entities. Areas that could potentially fall under the agreement include NMSU’s Auxiliary Services unit, Facilities and Services unit and NMSU administration, in general. Terms of any potential individual agreements would be negotiated by both parties at a future time.
“The mission of the NMSU system is to serve the diverse needs of the state through comprehensive programs of education, research, extension and outreach, and public service,” said NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu. “For areas of university operations that fall outside of those key functions, there is an opportunity for NMSU to work with entities who are world-leaders in their fields, such as Sodexo, to find improved service at lower costs.”
“We are proud to be a partner with NMSU in this innovative and ground breaking agreement,” said Tom Post, CEO for universities with Sodexo North America. “Our continued collaboration will make this partnership a benchmark in the industry.”
“Now more than ever, it’s important for us to make bold decisions,” said NMSU President John Floros. “This agreement is a unique approach to cooperating and working with the private sector and allows us the potential to conduct the university’s business in a new way. We believe this will benefit our students, faculty, staff and our entire university. In the future, a lot more universities will be doing these things.”
The university’s strategic plan, NMSU LEADS 2025, will provide a foundation for discussions going forward. Arvizu said any potential future agreements must improve one of the four goals for NMSU’s strategic plan; provide a high quality experience for students, faculty, staff and the public; and illustrate a savings of resources that NMSU could then invest into priorities to better serve students and the community. Any agreements must also include pre-determined key performance indicators to demonstrate success and opportunities to enhance NMSU’s support and contributions to the community, including small businesses.
“When we began this process, we had no idea that the COVID-19 crisis would change the landscape so dramatically,” Arvizu said. “What’s clear is that the world has changed, and we need to be able to operate in a new set of circumstances. We need to accelerate our progress on what we’ve outlined in our strategic plan. Whatever changes come our way, we’ll need to be nimble during this process. Thank you to everyone who put so much work toward this project.”
The decision to work with Sodexo is the culmination of an 18-month procurement process.
Media Contact
Justin Bannister, 575-646-5981, jbannist@nmsu.edu
