LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky announced it has selected Compass Group as its preferred partner for enterprise services, formalizing a long-term agreement designed to improve coordination and strengthen operations across the institution's campus, healthcare facilities and athletics programs.

The university provided an update to employees about commitments to protect jobs, pay and benefits during the transition. Beginning July 1, Compass Group will assume management of dining and concessions at UK, with the partnership eventually expanding to include maintenance, grounds, custodial services, in-patient transport and in-patient sitters across UK, UK HealthCare, UK King's Daughters and UK St. Claire.

The phased rollout follows the university's recent decision to end its contract with Aramark, the previous food service provider whose operations conclude June 30. University officials assured all current employees they will continue employment with comparable compensation and benefits, while Compass Group will provide access to expanded training, development and apprenticeship opportunities.

University President Eli Capilouto said the partnership represents a strategic evolution for the growing institution. "This partnership is about building strong, coordinated services that can meet and sustain the demand of excellence across the entire UK enterprise," he said.

Compass Group CEO Palmer Brown called it "one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking service partnerships in higher education and health care today." The nation's largest family of foodservice and facilities services companies already maintains significant operations in Kentucky, including more than 1,400 employees supporting UK HealthCare and other institutions across the state.

Eric Monday, UK's executive vice president for finance and administration, said the partnership allows the university to focus on its core academic and research missions. "Partnerships like this allow us to focus more fully on our core mission of teaching, research, service and patient care to ultimately advance Kentucky in all that we do," he said.

The partnership is designed to improve long-term planning while preserving university oversight and employee protections. More information is available at evpfa.uky.edu/enterprise-services-partnership.