Texas State University has selected Aramark Collegiate Hospitality as its new comprehensive hospitality partner with a 10-year agreement, beginning June 1, 2026.
The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved the contract during its quarterly meeting May 29 in Austin.
The agreement with Aramark unifies residential and retail dining, catering, concessions, and vending through Texas State Hospitality, a connected, student-centered campus ecosystem that Aramark is creating in partnership with TXST.
“Texas State is committed to providing an exceptional campus experience for everyone who learns, works and gathers here,” said Cynthia L. Hernandez, vice president for Student Success at TXST. “This partnership helps create a dining and hospitality ecosystem that strengthens community, supports student success, and reflects the quality and pride of the Texas State experience.”
As TXST grows enrollment, expands its academic and physical footprint across the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses, prepares to compete on a national stage as a member of the Pac-12 Conference, and pursues Carnegie R1 research status, the partnership positions hospitality as a strategic driver of student success, campus cohesion, and institutional sustainability.
“Texas State University is a university on the rise, and we are proud to have this opportunity, which represents our largest university partnership in Texas,” said Barbara Flanagan, president and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Our role is to move alongside the university, aligning long-term planning with the day to day experience to support student success.”
Building a connected, student-centered campus ecosystem
The partnership prioritizes a modernized, cohesive dining experience. Dining environments will emphasize accessibility, varied menu options, technology-enabled convenience, and consistent service for students, faculty, and staff.
- Updated residential dining halls at Commons and Harris, to be joined by the new Hilltop facility, will feature distinct culinary identities aligned to student preferences.
- Jones Dining Hall will undergo the largest change among campus dining options with a shift of concepts and the addition of more national brands.
- Expanded retail dining options across campus will feature a mix of national brands, on-trend concepts and rotating local and regional partners that reflect the flavors and traditions of Texas.
- Enhanced athletic fueling programs will include training tables, fueling stations, and performance-focused nutrition offerings designed to support student-athlete success.
- Elevated game day hospitality and fan experiences at UFCU Stadium and other athletic venues will enhance food, beverage, and service offerings to meet the scale and expectations of Pac-12 competition.
- Improved access for students living off-campus will feature mobile ordering, extended hours, grab-and-go formats, and locations along high-traffic campus pathways.
- Integrated dining technology will include digital menu boards, mobile ordering, and unified point of sale systems to reduce wait times and improve service consistency.
- Expanded food security initiatives, including meal access programs and campus partnerships, will increase flexibility for students facing food insecurity.
The hospitality program will continuously evolve through student feedback, performance insights, and campus collaboration to ensure it remains responsive to the dynamic needs of the TXST community.
“Hospitality is the connective tissue of campus life,” Flanagan said. “By working side by side with TXST, we will deliver a cohesive experience that strengthens community, elevates game day energy, and supports the university’s continued momentum as it advances its academic, research, and national aspirations.”
About Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality—where futures are better served—has been a trusted dining partner to higher education institutions for over 50 years. Serving approximately 300 colleges and universities nationwide, Aramark delivers customized dining and hospitality programs that reflect the unique culture and needs of each campus. Rooted in a deep commitment to service for people, partners, the community, and the planet, Aramark goes beyond meals by curating tailored experiences, supporting success, and cultivating communities. Connect with Collegiate Hospitality on LinkedIn.
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 16 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.