New Food Service Director needed
The UMC is still looking for a new Food Service Director after current director Shannon Evin’s retirement announcement.
While the committee to find a new director narrowed the search down to two candidates, UMC Director Carlos Garcia felt that neither was qualified enough. The search has begun again from scratch.
“(The two candidates) were not the right fit for the position,” Garcia said. “Neither had the right mix of qualifications and experience in this kind of environment.”
Garcia said he is looking for someone who is both experienced with the food services aspect of the job and also with working with university students.
“We’re looking for a well-seasoned food service professional; preferably someone who’s currently a director at a university comparable to this one,” Garcia said. “We need someone who could lead a large diverse staff.”
The UMC has about 180 food service employees and is a $4 million operation. Garcia said he wants the new food service director to be able to cope with dealing with a large amount of employees and a big budget.
Additionally, the new food service director must be able to easily interact with students.
“(We need) someone who’s well versed in dealing with students and student needs,” Garcia said.
Evins agreed that being university friendly is a vital part of the food service director position.
“(The new food service director) should understand that it isn’t just a business. We like to think of ourselves as part of the university experience,” Evins said.
Evins will step down as soon as a replacement is found for her. Until then, she said she is enjoying her last few months as the food service director.
“I would stay as long as I possibly could (until my replacement is hired),” Evins said. “I love my job.”
Garcia said he hopes to have a new candidate hired and ready to take over the position within the next six months, but it will most likely take longer than that.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Julie Ryan at ryanja@thecampuspress.com.
