Compass Group Selected as the University of Kentucky’s Preferred Partner to Advance a New Model for Integrated Campus and Healthcare Services

Plan for long-term agreement to bring dining, hospitality, facilities and healthcare support services together to strengthen the university experience and prepare for future growth

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Compass Group has been selected by the University of Kentucky (UK) as its preferred Enterprise Services Partner as part of a long-term strategy designed to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare and athletics, scheduled to begin July 1, 2026.

The partnership reflects a growing trend among universities and health systems to align services more closely around the evolving needs of students, patients, employees, and communities.

“Institutions like the University of Kentucky are thinking differently about how services come together to support a modern campus and healthcare environment,” said Palmer Brown, CEO, Compass Group North America. “This partnership reflects UK’s thoughtful approach to supporting its employees and the broader university community. By bringing together food, hospitality, facilities and healthcare support services, UK is creating a more connected model that strengthens operations, improves experiences and points to the future of higher education and healthcare.”

Grounded in a shared commitment to enhancing the everyday experience, the partnership will focus on:

• Supporting employees with care, respect and transparency
• Listening to the campus and healthcare communities
• Providing great food, warm hospitality and reliable service
• Creating welcoming, well-maintained spaces
• Investing in Kentucky through local partnerships and career pathways

“As the University of Kentucky continues to grow across education, research, service and healthcare, we need delivery models that are built for the future of our enterprise,” said Eric Monday, executive vice president for finance and administration and co-executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Kentucky. “Compass Group brings the operational expertise, scale and collaborative approach to help us strengthen how these services work together while continuing our mission to advance Kentucky in all that we do.”

Compass Group already has a significant presence across Kentucky, working with healthcare systems, universities, businesses, and venues throughout the Commonwealth. Building on that foundation, the relationship is expected to expand local sourcing, workforce development and community partnerships while strengthening the experience across campus and healthcare environments.

Both UK and Compass Group are committed to supporting employees throughout the transition and into the future. Dining associates affected by this transition will have the opportunity to continue in their roles with comparable compensation and benefits, while facilities and healthcare employees currently on the University payroll will remain University employees. Compass Group will also provide access to expanded training, development, apprenticeships, and career opportunities across its broader network.

“As we begin this work, we are coming in with respect for what already makes UK special and are excited to learn from the people who understand this community best,” said Vallen Emery, executive vice president for UK enterprise success, Compass Group. “This collective input will help shape how we bring our experience to the university to advance their programs, priorities and values.”

Program implementation is scheduled to begin in July 2026 through a phased transition designed to maintain continuity across university and healthcare operations.

About Compass Group North America

Compass Group is redefining the food and facility services industry through innovation, operational excellence, and a focus on what's next. Serving healthcare systems, educational institutions, cultural centers, sports and entertainment venues, and Fortune 500 companies, Compass Group delivers tailored solutions at scale. The company is consistently recognized among the world's most admired companies and leaders in sustainability and innovation. Learn more at compass-usa.com.