UAM NEWS
A Taste of Campus Life: Connection, Food and Opportunity With UAM Dining
This semester, UAM Dining Services, a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, has unveiled a new on-campus dining location and introduced a full schedule of dining events, playing an important role in building a vibrant campus community.
UAM Dining locations include Chick-fil-A, Boll Weevil Bistro — We Proudly Serve Starbucks, POD Express, the UAM Dining Hall and Weezy’s. Each dining location continues to evolve to provide customers with dynamic experiences and quality on-campus eating options.
At the start of the fall 2026 semester, UAM Dining debuted Weezy’s, a new sports-bar-style student lounge in the Gibson University Center. Students looking for a late-night meal or snack can order from a high-quality, pub-style menu, which includes burgers, chicken strips, curly fries, onion rings, chips and fountain drinks.
In addition to offering a variety of dining options for students, UAM Dining makes it easy for campus employees to enjoy cost-friendly meals. Faculty and staff have access to meal plan options similar to students. These plans provide a convenient and affordable way to enjoy fresh meals and beverages while staying connected to campus throughout the day. The public is also welcome at any of UAM’s dining locations, using a debit or credit card.
“Our vision is for UAM Dining to reflect the personality of the university itself — welcoming, connected and full of campus spirit. We want every location to feel like a natural part of the UAM experience for students, employees and the surrounding community,” said Caleb Bumpous, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality general manager at UAM.
While convenience and cost-effective food are important to a successful dining experience, UAM Dining offers more than a place to grab a meal. It creates memorable experiences that bring people together around food through events such as the “All For You” series, the “Residential Core Scene” series and the “Sunday Brunch” series.
The “All For You” series is a year-round collection of student-focused engagement events designed to build connection, strengthen campus and local community and highlight a culture of hospitality. Past events include “Nice To Meet You” and “Welcome Home,” hosted in the summer and at the start of the academic year. The “Residential Core Scene” events, such as “Welcome Back Cookout,” “A Night In Paris,” “Oktoberfest” and “Fall Fest” bring a festive feel to campus year-round.
More events in these series are currently in the works. As part of the “All For You” series, November will bring “Friendsgiving,” where participants can write what they are thankful for on fall-colored leaves and add them to a gratitude tree. In December, students will enjoy an “Exam Cram” event, offering snack options for students studying for final exams. “Foodie Favorites” and “Study Break,” both part of the “Residential Core Scene” events series, will help participants feel more at home on campus.
Sunday Brunch, an event now in its second year, offers a rotating menu on select Sundays throughout the fall and spring semesters and welcomes both the campus community and the public to the UAM Dining Hall.
“With our events, we’re trying to create moments students remember,” said Avery Pennington, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality marketing coordinator at UAM. “Whether it’s a themed dinner, Sunday Brunch or something during finals, we want UAM Dining to contribute to the traditions and experience that make campus life feel special.”
Students can help shape their own dining experience by joining the Student Dining Committee, which works with UAM Dining staff to identify opportunities for new menu items and enhance the overall dining experience on campus. Committee members meet at the end of every month to reflect on that month’s dining experience and assist in planning future events.
UAM Dining also offers opportunities to gain valuable work experience. Students can secure part-time positions at any UAM Dining location, interacting directly with customers or working behind the scenes. There is also the opportunity for students to use their experience to transition to full-time roles after graduation.
“We also want students to have a hand in shaping what UAM Dining becomes,” Bumpous said. “Through the Student Dining Committee and employment opportunities, they can share their ideas, build experience and play an active role in the campus community.”
For questions or more information about UAM Dining Services, contact Caleb Bumpous at bumpous-caleb@aramark.com. For more information about the Student Dining Committee, contact Avery Pennington at pennington-avery@aramark.com.