Answering the call from the campus community and student leaders for expanded meal options, modern conveniences and amenities, Morgan State University announces a new contract with Gaithersburg, MD-based dining services provider, SodexoMAGIC, LLC. The five-year, nearly $45-million agreement will bring facility upgrades and renovations, technological integrations, a variety of dining options and food locations, student-friendly meal plans and the promise of an overall elevated dining experience beginning with the Fall 2020 Semester. SodexoMAGIC will be the University’s first new food services provider in 25 years.
The Morgan State University Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve the new food services contract with SodexoMAGIC during the board’s spring quarterly meeting, held in May. It was later ratified by Maryland’s Board of Public Works. The new contract began on June 1.
“It’s a new day at Morgan, and through our new partnership with SodexoMAGIC, campus dining, which is an integral part of the student life experience, has been greatly enhanced,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We listened to the voices of our students and the greater campus community and responded in a thoughtful yet comprehensive way that took into consideration the many diverse preferences and needs that we have here at Morgan. It was truly a collaborative effort and we look forward to working with Magic Johnson and the SodexoMAGIC team to usher in a modern era of customized campus dining for today’s multifaceted students.”
The University received proposals from four of the nation’s leading dining service providers, with SodexoMAGIC, chaired by NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, emerging as the winning finalist. The partnership marks SodexoMAGIC’s first with a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Maryland.
“It is an honor to be partnering with Morgan State University. I founded SodexoMAGIC to empower communities and future generations to eat healthy and live well,” said Chairman Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “I am confident my team will deliver best in class service to the Bears community.”
In addition to providing service to universities, SodexoMAGIC also provides dining and facilities management services to corporate clients that include Delta Airlines, Merck, and the Federal Reserve Bank. “We take pride in serving as a purpose-driven industry leader of Quality of Life solutions. Our success is predicated upon empowering and championing supplier diversity, economic development and sustainability in the communities we serve,” said SodexoMAGIC president, Selena S. Cuffe.
The partnership comes as the result of an inclusive and competitive RFP process that included input from students, faculty and staff. During a three-month period that preceded the call for proposals, University administrators solicited the feedback of Morgan’s campus community and incorporated the responses received into the final RFP. Among the top options and services respondents desired from their next dining services provider were a salad bar, fresh fruit and vegetables, hot breakfast foods, made-to-order sandwiches, guest meal passes, online/mobile ordering, expanded electronic payment and 24-hour dining.
Per the terms of the agreement and through the partnership with SodexoMAGIC, Morgan will see a number of enhancements and additions that include:
Dining
Technology
Many of the new dining service enhancements will be introduced in phases over the next several semesters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a number of changes have been incorporated into the original plans to accommodate student safety needs and social distancing protocols.
