A Season of Resilience
Reimagining Dining at Coker
The Collapse
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, a leak in the ceiling of Linville Dining Hall caused a portion of the ceiling to collapse. Students had already returned to campus for the fall semester, and many had been in the space earlier that day. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Within hours, Coker’s facilities and student affairs teams mobilized to support students and assess the damage. Out of caution, power was temporarily shut off to the dining hall and adjacent residence halls. After a swift safety review, students were allowed back into their residence halls later that evening.
Initial inspections suggested that a 6-inch sprinkler pipe burst above the ceiling, leading to the collapse. The damage forced an immediate and indefinite closure of Linville Dining Hall, just as the academic year had begun. What followed was a coordinated effort—led by Coker staff—to ensure meals continued without disruption and students remained informed and supported every step of the way.
Our Current Home
Since Fall 2024, dining operations have continued from a combination of portable kitchen units and a climate-controlled dining facility adjacent to the DeLoach Center. Meals have continued to be served with no interruption of service. The University is actively managing immediate costs for temporary solutions, which currently stand at approximately $200,000 per month. These expenses include the rental of a mobile kitchen and the temporary dining facility.
Students have enjoyed grab-and-go options, expanded meal exchange availability, and thoughtful adjustments to meet the diverse needs of our campus. The setup hasn’t been perfect, but the spirit of cooperation and adaptability has been remarkable.
We’re grateful to our food service partners, facilities team, and especially our students—for their patience and feedback as we navigated this transitional period together.
What’s Next: A New Dining Hall Experience
Construction is underway for a fully renovated Dining Hall set to open December 2025.
The redesigned space will feature:
- A more open and modern layout
- Flexible indoor and outdoor seating options
- Expanded food stations with enhanced daily variety
- Updated technology for quicker service and easier swipe access
This new space isn’t just about meals—it’s about community. Whether students are meeting for breakfast before class, enjoying a break between practices, or connecting over dinner after rehearsals, the Dining Hall has always been one of Coker’s central gathering places. When the doors reopen, it’ll be more welcoming than ever before!
