Patti Klos
Senior Director of Dining Services, Tufts University
Klos has been a transformative force in campus dining since her undergraduate days at Purdue University where she served on the campus menu committee. During her 35+ year tenure at Tufts University, she has renovated all facilities, created new service venues, and introduced programs ranging from block meal plans, marketplace dining and a gluten-free, peanut and tree-nut-free dining center. Under Klos’s leadership, Tufts Dining Services serves 11,000 meals a day to students and faculty across 10 schools. Annual sales equal $32 Million.
Klos is committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment where everyone can enjoy their meals without worry, especially those with specific food requirements. She is especially known for developing a deep sense of community with her student customers who describe their dining program as instrumental to their academic success.
She enjoys sharing her experiences with NACUFS members through articles, presentations, and serving as a volunteer - including as 2017 president (now known as chairperson). She has twice received the NACUFS Richard Lichtenfelt Award and was the 2024 recipient of the Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award.
NOMINATED BY | 
IN HER OWN WORDS
How did you get your start in the foodservice industry?
My journey began with my first paid food-related job, de-tasseling corn in central Indiana. I then was a “counter girl” at McDonalds. During my undergraduate years at Purdue, I worked in the dining hall; that led to an internship where I discovered collegiate dining was a profession. From then on, I was hooked. I discovered its operational complexity, tremendous leadership opportunities, and a way to create community over shared meals. This profession aligns with my personal core values.
Tell us about a proud moment you’ve had along the way.
There have been many. Transforming spaces and programs through various renovations has been a series of proud moments. My greatest occurred when my mentor, Art Korandanis, looked at a younger me and encouraged me to be the next Director of Tufts Dining. From then on, I knew the reactions of Tufts students and our community would be my responsibility. It was both a proud and a watershed time in my career.
How do you stay inspired and continue innovating in your role?
Working on a college campus is inspiring. It, by definition, inspires innovation and being able to come here every day keeps me inspired. Our students are amazing brilliant, passionate, and yet still becoming adults. They face challenges we never dreamed of. They inspire me…my colleagues inspire me…and this industry inspires me.
What trends do you see shaping the future of foodservice?
I am excited about all the technology opportunities we have to experience – especially what AI will add to our industry. Equipment and technology advances are intriguing and have the potential to change our industry as we know it. And even more inspiring is how our students will shape our futures as well as their own.
If you could have dinner with any chef, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’m a big fan of Daniel Boulud, whose daughter I knew while she attended Tufts. I’ve met him and have been impressed and inspired by his culinary prowess, how he treats his staff, and his longevity in the industry. I’d love to have a meal with him.
PATTI'S MENTOR
Art Korandanis
Director of Auxiliary Services (retired)
College of the Holy Cross
Art Korandanis is the retired Director of Auxiliary Services for the College of the Holy Cross and former Director of Dining Services at Tufts University. He worked and consulted in the college and university arena for over 40 years.
Korandanis was an active NACUFS member and assisted with the development of the original NACUFS Benchmarking Survey and served on the NACUFS Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the NACUFS Theodore W. Minah Award for his years of service to the industry. Korandanis has a BS from the University of Massachusetts and an Executive MBA from Northeastern University.