Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has named 12 students from colleges and universities across the country to serve on its Council of Student Advisors (CSA), reinforcing Aramark’s commitment to student-driven insights in campus hospitality. Through their participation on the Council, these students will help shape the future of campus dining while gaining valuable professional development and networking opportunities.
“The best hospitality experiences begin with listening,” said Barbara Flanagan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Our Council of Student Advisors brings together passionate student leaders whose voices help us create more meaningful experiences for campus communities. We’re honored to support these twelve students on their leadership journey and grateful for the perspective they bring as we continue shaping the future of hospitality together.”
The Twelve Members of the Council of Student Advisors for 2026-2027 are:
- Aidan Cavanaugh, Holyoke Community College
- Ana Enriquez, California State University, Sacramento
- Ethan Gover, University of Louisville
- Jack Heath, Berry College
- Ja'Vone Bunton, North Carolina Central University
- James Plummer, University of Virginia
- Karoline Chidester, Loyola University Chicago
- Lillian Chester, Southern Methodist University
- Makayla Mitchell, Towson University
- Santana Garrett, University of Alabama
- Shreya LNU, Arizona State University
- Sophia Slade, Tulane University
Through their application videos, members of the 2026-2027 Council of Student Advisors shared a vision for campus dining that is more personalized, accessible, technology-enabled, and student-driven. Several students emphasized the importance of ensuring dining programs meet the needs of diverse campus populations, including commuter students and those who rely on resources such as SNAP, WIC, and EBT benefits.
Others spoke about the need for dining experiences that better accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, reflect evolving food trends, and create more opportunities for engagement and community on campus. Many also expressed a desire to serve as advocates for their peers by bringing student-informed ideas directly into decision-making conversations. Collectively, their perspectives point to a future of campus dining that offers greater flexibility, transparency, choice, and accessibility while remaining grounded in the voices of students for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality.
Each student will serve on the Council for a full academic year. Throughout their time serving on the Council, members participate in virtual meetings, engage with Aramark's StudentLounge online community, and collaborate with their local campus dining teams to share feedback and ideas.
Through asynchronous prompts, discussions, and activities such as sharing a "day in the life" perspective through StudentLounge, council members provide insights into their daily experiences, preferences, and challenges. These ongoing conversations help Aramark Collegiate Hospitality identify emerging trends, inform innovation, and shape new programs and initiatives designed to enhance the campus dining experience.
In addition to these year-round opportunities for engagement, Council members will attend an in-person meeting at Aramark headquarters in Philadelphia in January 2027, where they will connect with company leadership, participate in professional development activities, and share their perspectives directly with decision-makers.
At past in-person meetings, students have had the opportunity to present valuable insights to Aramark Collegiate Hospitality leadership, participate in a menu tasting and an Aramark kitchen tour, as well as a professional development session with Aramark Talent Acquisition.
As part of their participation on the Council, members gain unique professional development opportunities that help prepare them for success after graduation. Returning Council member Lillian Chester credits the program with helping her secure an internship within the company.
“Through the CSA, I was referred to an incredible Aramark marketing internship where I not only got a unique, tailored experience in my field of study, but I was also able to see my impact on the company and its clients firsthand. Without being on the CSA, I never would have had such an amazing opportunity,” said Chester.
The Council of Student Advisors was formed by Aramark in 2022 to strengthen its connection with students and to enhance the overall campus dining experience through direct feedback. Comprised of student leaders from Aramark partner campuses, the CSA serves as a collaborative forum for students to share insights and ideas that shape the future of campus hospitality.
The CSA meets virtually from September to April, with each virtual session focusing on a specific topic ranging from menu development, new initiatives, or best practices to improve student engagement.
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