The expansion and renovations of the Food Court is not the only new addition to this semester.

Julie Ingram, director of Conference and Dining Services, recently replaced Vickie Hartman and said she plans to bring some changes.

“I have a lot of goals and new ideas for the future direction of this department,” Ingram said.

One idea Ingram implemented, is a student feedback text line, which went online Sept. 7.

Students can text their opinions of food and services to the new hotline created by Ingram in collaboration with the IT Department. The number is located on several signs posted in the Commons.

The texts are compiled into an e-mail account by the IT Department and sent to Ingram weekly.

“We’ve already had a fair amount of feedback, and most of it has been positive,” Ingram said.

Ingram said they are here for the students and faculty, and they want to make sure they are giving them what they want.

“If there’s a problem, concern or opinion, text me so we can change it,” Ingram said. “We’re open to any and all suggestions.”

Jim Carter, executive chef, is also new this semester and has been working with Ingram on various ideas for the Food Court.

“We want to bring the pop and wow factor to the university dining experience,” Carter said.

Prior to IU Southeast, Ingram worked for 20 years in hotel and hospitality services.

“I graduated from Sullivan with a travel and tourism degree with plans of becoming a travel agent,” Ingram said, “but during college, I got a job in a hotel, loved it and never looked back.”

Ingram said the most significant aspect of changing jobs has been moving from a corporate, for-profit world to a higher education, non-profit world.

“In the corporate world, there is a constant pressure to meet your numbers every week,” Ingram said. “In this economy, there is also the added stress of knowing there are at least a handful of people waiting to take your job at any moment.”

Overall, Ingram said working at a university has been pleasant.
“Being at IUS is a refreshing change of pace,” Ingram said. “Though we are always mindful of our budget, my job is no longer driven by revenue, but by service.”

Carter also worked in hotel and hospitality services and said he and Ingram plan to showcase some tricks they learned along the way.
“We want to put a new emphasis on presentation,” Carter said.

Carter highlighted a couple new ideas, which he said will add a touch of professionalism to presentation.

One of these ideas involves clouding table tops, which Carter said is the technique of using extra linens on tabletops and bunching them to create an air of elegance.

Ingram said she is happy to be working with Carter.

“I’m thrilled [Carter] is here,” Ingram said. “He gets it. Neither of us answers to the other. We’re equals, we’re a team and we’ll do what it takes.”

Carter said he also enjoys working with Ingram.

“I’m looking forward to brain storming with Julie about new food ideas as the semester moves on,” Carter said. “So far, the majority of work [for me] has been adjusting to a new job.”

However, the Conference and Dining Services Department does not receive any additional funding through the university.

“For now, it’s little things as we go,” Ingram said. “I have a wish list, but we have a budget.”

To compensate for the cost, Ingram said they host companies and clients located off campus who are in need of a venue at competitive prices.

“We try to keep our prices as close to the cost of food and preparation as possible,” Ingram said. “We may even look into actively advertising our services to off campus companies and other possible clients.”

Though the department services off campus clients, Ingram said they are still here for the students and faculty.

“[At IU Southeast] it’s all about the faculty and staff,” Ingram said. “They always come first, and I really enjoy the emphasis on service.”

Ingram is married to her husband, Paul Ingram, and they have two children, Jack and Jill.

“It’s kind of funny, right?” Julie Ingram said. “People would always ask us if we’re going to have any more children, but I’d always tell them we can’t. What are we going to call the next one, Pail of Water? No, but really, my husband and I are very blessed to have two amazing kids.”

By SAM WEBER

Staff

samweber@ius.edu