By: Peyton Saunders | Staff Writer
The dining hall is always decorated with the nearest holiday or campus event. There is currently a banner welcoming students back to the university. Photo by Peyton Saunders 
An image of some of the selection available at the Thanksgiving lunch. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
The dining hall is always thinking of new options for students including manicotti and meatball subs. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
The suggestion box is located right next to the dishwashing room. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
The dining hall has a wall of awards right next to the suggestion box. Photo by Peyton Saunders
As the University of Lynchburg’s Spring 2026 semester is now in full swing, the Burton Dining Hall has introduced new food options and themed events for the campus to enjoy.
Whether it is a student’s first or last year at the university, the dining hall is a reliable option for maintaining a complete diet at a relatively low price. The dining hall may be very convenient, but the dining staff hopes students will shape it into a place designed for them.
Operations Manager Andrew Bray said, “We’re here specifically for the students and without them we wouldn’t be employed by the university.” That sentiment is considered a tenet among dining hall staff, and they cannot achieve it without student feedback.
Many students have ideas for new or returning food items in the dining hall. Sophomore Jordan Smith wants to see chimichurri again in the dining hall and freshman Raina Musah would like to see alfredo sauce more often.
The dining hall staff wants students to know they are approachable and always open to suggestions, as sophomore Shefalica Thapa knows firsthand from using the dining hall suggestion box located right next to the dishwashing room.
The dining hall staff have tried to invite students’ suggestions in other ways. Director of Dining Services Shaun Dearden explains that they have tried to reach out to students via email, QR code and Google Forms.
The Google Form was first released at the end of last semester, possibly too late for students to notice, so it will be sent out again in February.
According to Dearden, “We also have an online suggestion form, which, during the upgrade of our webpages, I think, has been kind of out of place.”
With some of the changes on the University of Lynchburg website, the suggestion box, the dining hall’s email address and the form in February are reliable ways to get in touch with the dining hall staff. Additionally, the staff is not opposed to students speaking directly to them. According to Chef John Barker, the dining hall staff thrives on criticism as much as on praise.
The dining hall is known for its themes, whether they be seasonal, such as the Thanksgiving lunch, traditional, such as the Harry Potter event or new and exciting such as the Dr. Seuss and “Fortnite” themed meals last semester, as well as an upcoming “Stranger Things” event, according to Dearden. There has also been talk of a karaoke event between Dearden and Chef Barker, if there is student interest.
New dining options have already made their way into the dining hall’s menu, such as an Italian-themed dinner with manicotti, veal, and meatball subs. The chefs’ only hope is to keep spicing things up with student suggestions and trending items.
For students who have ideas for themes, events, or dining options, reach out to Shaun Dearden or email the dining hall at dining@lynchburg.edu.
