JACKSONVILLE, AL – Jacksonville State University officially dedicated the Scott Williams Dining Room during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, recognizing Williams’ 47-year career in university dining services, including 37 years serving his alma mater.
The dedication, made possible through a gift from Sodexo, recognizes Williams’ contributions to campus dining operations and his longstanding relationships with students, faculty and staff at Jacksonville State University.
“There’s nothing more fitting to serve as a lasting legacy for Scott Williams than having his name affixed to this dining room,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. “It’s about remembering Scott and what he did, and how he affected the lives of so many people across this campus for so many years.”
Williams began his career in university dining in 1979 while attending Jacksonville State and working with Sodexo. He later held positions at several institutions, including the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg Methodist College and Converse College, before returning to Jacksonville State in 1996.
In 1998, Williams became general manager of campus dining, a position in which he oversaw daily food service operations and several significant changes to the university’s dining facilities. Among those transitions was the 2024 relocation from Jack Hopper Dining Hall to the university’s current dining facility.
During the dedication ceremony, Killingsworth described Williams’ involvement in campus life beyond his administrative responsibilities. He recalled instances in which Williams helped ensure students had access to meals during difficult circumstances and delivered food to faculty and staff members recovering from illness or injury.
“Scott was always there,” Killingsworth said. “It didn’t matter. Seven days a week, 365 days for the full year, mostly.”
Cal Thetford, Sodexo’s senior vice president of operations for the Southeast, also spoke about Williams’ career and his contributions to the company. In addition to managing campus dining operations, Williams served as Sodexo’s regional safety champion, working to identify workplace safety measures and improve employee protections.
Thetford acknowledged Williams’ 47 years with Sodexo and his involvement in both university dining operations and employee safety initiatives.
Williams addressed those attending the ceremony, emphasizing the personal relationships he developed throughout his career.
“I just want y’all to know that you’re all my family,” Williams said. “It’s all about the people, the time we spend together, and especially the good times we’ve had together.”
A Jacksonville native, Williams has maintained close ties to the university throughout his professional and personal life. He and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 39 years, and all four of their daughters graduated from Jacksonville State.
The newly dedicated Scott Williams Dining Room will serve as a permanent recognition of his years of service to Jacksonville State University and his contributions to the campus dining program.
