WT Earns Gold for Dining Hall Renovation

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - The recent renovation of the West Texas A&M University Dining Hall has earned a national accolade.

WT Dining Services won a gold award in the 2026 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for Renovation of the Year from the National Association of College & University Food Services.

The Caf, as the WT facility is commonly known, was cited alongside fellow gold award winners Princeton University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

"We have strategically partnered with Aramark to reimagine what campus dining can be at WT, because just like your kitchen table at home, this space is the heart of our campus community," said Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs. "From expanded service options and times to bringing campus engagement and student support services into the facility, this is truly a unique approach on a college campus."

Phase II of a long-term cafeteria remodel officially concluded in November following a $3 million upgrade.

"This is a true testament to what makes WT special: Buffalo pride, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional campus experience for students," said Farah Ahmed, traveling district manager for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality's south region. "From design to delivery, this project reflects the heart of a community that shows up, thinks big, and delivers."

NACUFS received nearly 300 submissions nationwide. The organization recognized WT for using multiple focus groups to identify such key goals as menu expansion, improving flow through stations, and adding modern equipment.

The entrée stations each feature state-of-the-art equipment designed to cook in smaller batches, ensuring fresher, higher-quality food. A standalone grill station allows for shorter wait time, and the True Balance station, which provides meals free from the top nine allergens, is now fully separated to reduce cross-contamination, house-roasted meats and a dedicated rotisserie.

A new food lab and teaching kitchen allows chefs to offer culinary demonstrations for students, with rotating food concepts each semester, beginning with "Road Trip of America," which showcases regional dishes. The teaching kitchen also offers an expanded late-night menu.

Signature sandwiches selected by Chef Mike Berry are available in a deli section, and cooked-to-order foods, including stir-fry entrées, are available at an international station. Menus also are expanded.

A new smart water system, BEVI, offers on-demand still and flavored sparkling water, allowing users to customize drinks.

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality operates the University's food services.

Renovations began following the conclusion of the spring semester, with demolition of an old serving line, equipment, flooring and wall finishes.

Phase III of the cafeteria project has begun and will include renovations to the upstairs dining space, the addition of an elevator and updates to the main entrance.

By the completion of the final phase, more than $6 million will have been invested in improvements and renovations for The Caf since 2024.

Providing welcoming environments and student-centered facilities are key principles of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: Dignitaries celebrating the March 11 ribbon cutting at the West Texas A&M University Dining Hall include, from left, Chris Williams, SSC regional director; WT President Walter V. Wendler; Michael Ives, Aramark food services director for WT; Bucky; Mary Vivian Ivey, WT student body president; Dr. Chris Thomas, WT vice president for student affairs; Brett Perlowski, Aramark director of strategic development; Farah Ahmed, Aramark traveling district manager; Dr. Todd McNeill, vice president for business and finance; and Ollie Sims, WT/Aramark director of catering. The Caf's remodel recently won a gold award from the National Association of College & University Food Services.

-WT-