TUSKEGEE, Ala. - (July 9, 2007) - After months of planning, Tompkins Hall Dining facility has finally received the face-lift that students will appreciate.

"We're looking to do a whole lot here, and this is just the beginning," said Pamela Sparks-Smith, general manager of Sodexho.

The early phases of renovation began in the fall which includes a revamped floor in the front entrance and back sides of the cafeteria, a complete upgrade of the pizzeria station with black and white flooring, new furniture and a wok station that will be installed at a later date.

Additionally, the University's crimson and gold logo is visible on the ceiling banners and the front entrance of the cafeteria.

"We wanted to make sure when students and others came inside that it would truly feel like a Tuskegee University cafeteria," said Sparks-Smith.

Future plans include the installment of four new television monitors, new sneeze guards, a two-sided salad bar, countertop grills for food preparation visibility and pictures depicting university life.

Some students have complained about the selection of food, and Sparks-Smith says with the new improvements, there is nothing a student can't eat when they come into the cafeteria.

Though the changes are not yet complete, students seem to be responding favorably to what they see so far. "I like the upgrades and I look forward to future improvements," said sophomore Lenne Hawkins of Philadelphia.