East Mississippi Community College Dining by Sodexo Elevates the Campus Experience

The partnership between East Mississippi Community College and Sodexo has spanned decades, and in recent years the dining program has evolved in ways that reflect both student feedback and national dining trends. By staying current, responding to campus needs, and expanding its presence, EMCC Dining has grown into a central part of the student, faculty, and community experience.

Evolving with Campus Needs

EMCC Dining has built on its long-standing foundation by introducing new ways to connect with students and staff. From creative social media and event marketing to fresh programming that addresses health, wellness, and life skills, the dining program has expanded its reach and impact. Today, Dining is as much about building engagement and supporting student success as it is about serving meals.

Golden Triangle Campus – Welcome Back Carnival

On Monday, the Golden Triangle campus celebrated with a carnival led by Student Services. Dining by Sodexo added to the festivities with funnel fries, drawing steady lines and helping set the tone for a spirited start to the semester. “The students absolutely loved the funnel cake fries- it was the perfect themed treat for the event,” said LeAnn Alexander, Dean of Students.

Scooba Campus – Meet the Lions

At Wednesday’s Meet the Lions event, Dining donated over $100 in dining dollars and Coca-Cola sponsored prizes featuring a Coca-Cola bicycle, and two Coca-Cola igloo speakers/ice chests. Students spun the prize wheel while connecting through social media, and parents used QR codes to sign up for messaging updates. The table became a central point of activity, underscoring Dining’s role in student engagement.

Speed Friending with Administrators – “We Heard You” Campaign

Thursday’s Speed Friending/Get to Know Your Administrators event highlighted how the program listens to student feedback. Loaded teas, a top request among students, made their debut and were immediately popular. The introduction reinforced Dining’s ability to adapt quickly to preferences and stay aligned with food trends.

“We had several students and even some employees ask about the potential to offer loaded teas during welcome week,” Alexander added. “I mentioned it to our friends

at Sodexo, and they were able to make it happen. It was indeed one of the highlights of the week.”

Wellness and Innovation

The commitment to health and wellness is another area where EMCC Dining has expanded. Over the summer, Chef Dwayne created Mindful Infused Waters and Mocktails to keep the football team and band members hydrated during practices in the Mississippi heat. Flavors like Watermelon Strawberry Mint, and Green Tea Ginger Mint connected directly to Sodexo’s wellness initiatives while giving students refreshing new options.

Adulting 101: Life Skills Beyond the Classroom

This fall also marks the launch of EMCC’s new Adulting 101 series, with the first session on Healthy Eating. Sodexo’s Campus Dietitian, Abbey Leboeuf, opened the series with a session on healthy eating habits while Chef Dwayne catered lunch using Mindful recipes. The series will later cover budgeting, basic car maintenance, and navigating the healthcare system. The program, hosted by the college and supported by Sodexo, is designed to equip students with everyday skills that carry beyond campus.

Associate Dean of Students LaPari S. Morant noted that initiatives like Adulting 101 reflect a shared commitment to student success: “Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive independently, and we are so happy to team up with Sodexo, who has generously decided to sponsor this important series.”

Supporting Faculty and Staff

The dining program’s evolution includes stronger connections with faculty and staff. At last week’s Convocation, Dining served both breakfast and lunch. Additionally, they hosted a table featuring giveaways, cookies decorated with the EMCC logo, and dining resources, offering faculty and staff the same welcoming experience students enjoy. “Having Sodexo attend the fall convocation demonstrates their commitment to supporting not only students but also fostering a connection with our Faculty and Staff,” according to the Co-Convocation Committee Chair, Dr. Nikita L. Ashford-Ashworth.

Upcoming Campus Events

Later this fall, the NACUFS Award–winning program Cooking for a Cause will return, highlighting food insecurity among college students while providing Lion Hills Culinary School students with valuable hands-on experience. Donations collected during the event will directly benefit the Campus Care Closet, with each dollar translating into one meal swipe for a student in need.

A Partnership That Evolves with Students

The collaboration between EMCC and Sodexo has deepened over time, with Dining now firmly integrated into the college’s approach to student life. EMCC Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, Dr. Nikita Ashford-Ashworth, praised the alignment between Sodexo’s work and the college’s mission. “Sodexo has demonstrated creativity and intentionality in its programming, aligning with EMCC's mission to focus specifically on a healthy mind, body, and spirit. EMCC eagerly anticipates the initiatives that Sodexo will introduce in the future.”

EMCC Dining has highlighted its long-standing partnership by offering fun treats, such as funnel fries, while also introducing health-focused programs that continue to grow and evolve. By listening to students, staying on top of trends, and expanding its role in the campus community, Sodexo has built a dining program that is engaging, innovative, and deeply connected to the life of East Mississippi Community College.