Sodexo Partners with McNeese State University to Elevate Campus Dining Experience
LAKE CHARLES, La., (May 13, 2024) – Sodexo, a global leader in integrated food and facilities management services, announced today its new partnership with McNeese State University, a prominent institution in the University of Louisiana (UL) system, beginning May 17, 2024. With a 10-year contract, this collaboration marks a significant milestone for both parties, as Sodexo expands its footprint within the UL system, leveraging its strong relationship and expertise in delivering exceptional dining experiences.
"We are thrilled to embark on this journey with McNeese State University," said Melanie Sweeney Fetzer, Senior Vice President, Business Development for Sodexo Campus. "Our longstanding presence and deep understanding of the UL system, coupled with our innovative approach to culinary experiences, positions us as the ideal partner to elevate dining services at McNeese."
Sodexo's proposal, anchored by its Experiential Learning initiatives and the Reginald Lewis Scholarship, resonated with McNeese State University, showcasing a commitment beyond traditional food service provision. Sodexo’s Foodiverse concept, featuring a diverse range of menu items and collaborative dining stations – including the U-cook station – promises to enrich campus life and foster engagement among students.
Furthermore, Sodexo's emphasis on recruiting top talent, including a proposed General Manager and Executive Chef with local ties to Lake Charles, reflects its investment in the community and dedication to exceeding client expectations.
"Sodexo has longstanding relationships with numerous universities within the University of Louisiana System,” said Dr. Kedrick A. Nicholas, Dean of Student Affairs. “We are pleased to be among their growing list of campus partners in the state. Our commitment to providing the best holistic campus experience we can for our students blended with Sodexo's proven track record should be a recipe for success in years to come."
Central to Sodexo's offerings is its Dine& program for resident dining, designed to create an inclusive environment where delicious, nourishing food meets exceptional hospitality. Dine& goes beyond traditional dining experiences, focusing on meaningful interactions and purposeful service that enhance the overall campus culture.
The partnership between Sodexo and McNeese State University represents a shared vision of creating vibrant campus communities and setting new standards for dining excellence within the UL system.
About McNeese State University
Established in 1939, McNeese State University is nationally ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States, is recognized as one of the finest regional universities in the South and is known as having one of the best returns on investment for tuition and high average starting salaries for its graduates. Located in Lake Charles, LA, the university is integrated into the fabric of Southwest Louisiana, contributing to economic prosperity and quality of life by providing well-prepared employees. Students at McNeese enjoy an instructor to student ratio of 1:21, and benefit from $63 million in financial assistance, over 100 market driven academic programs, and a student-centric culture. Graduates successfully pass licensure exams, and are accepted into graduate programs including law, medical, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Visit www.mcneese.edu for more information.
About Sodexo North America
Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 45 countries. Sodexo specializes in sustainable food service and valued experiences, in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Additionally, the company indirectly supports additional jobs through its annual purchases of goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.