Scott Williams Dining Room Honors Decades of Service at Jax State

Ribbon-cutting group at the Scott Williams Dining Room dedication at Jax State, with a quote from Williams above the photograph.

JACKSONVILLE– Jacksonville State University has dedicated the Scott Williams Dining Room, honoring a 47-year career that included 37 years serving Jax State.

The ribbon-cutting took place Wednesday, Oct. 14. Jax State detailed the dedication in its Oct. 16 news release.

The tribute also highlighted his efforts to care for people beyond the dining hall.

President Don C. Killingsworth Jr. recalled how Williams helped students obtain meals during difficult circumstances. Williams also delivered food to faculty and staff members who were ill or injured, according to the university.

“Scott was always there,” Killingsworth said.

From Student Employee to Campus Dining Leader

Williams first worked with Sodexo as a Jax State student in 1979. His career later took him to other institutions before he returned to Jax State in 1996.

Back on campus, he managed retail operations at the Theron Montgomery Building Food Court. Then, in 1998, he became general manager of campus dining.

He also helped guide the 2024 move from Jack Hopper Dining Hall to the university’s current dining facility.

The university’s board approved the dining room naming in April. A gift from Sodexo made the honor possible.

Relationships Beyond the Dining Hall

Sodexo’s Cal Thetford, senior vice president of operations for the Southeast, also recognized Williams’ work as a regional safety champion.

In addition to leading campus dining, Williams helped identify ways to protect employees on the job, the university said.

The Jacksonville native and his wife, Shelly, also have four daughters who graduated from Jax State.

For Williams, the relationships remained the focus of his remarks at the ceremony.

 

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