Eagle Dining at The University of Southern Mississippi has provided new details following the announcement that the campus Starbucks will be replaced by a Dunkin’ Donuts in Fall 2026, a decision that has sparked a debate among students.
Though the change was deeply influenced by student opinion, Eagle Dining has clarified that the transition was first prompted by the expiration of its contract with Starbucks. According to Eagle Dining, renewing that contract would have required a costly remodel with limited flexibility in design. Faced with those constraints, officials chose to reevaluate their options rather than automatically renewing the partnership.
Instead of making the decision independently, Eagle Dining said it turned to students for input. In January 2026, more than 1,000 Southern Miss students participated in a week-long survey conducted across campus. Students were asked a simple question: whether they preferred to keep Starbucks or switch to Dunkin. Results showed that 64% of respondents favored making the change.
Despite those results, the reaction from students has been mixed. When the change was first announced on Instagram, many students questioned the outcome. For some, the existing Starbucks location represents more than just a place to grab coffee—it serves as a dependable study environment.
Sarah Donahue is among those concerned about the shift. “I particularly don’t like it. I think it’s the study atmosphere and like the color changes a little wonky, because the dark brown, dark green that’s super calm colors and when you come back from class, you just start studying, but Dunkin’ is bright pink, bright orange,” she said. Donahue emphasized that Starbucks’ calm environment supports productivity, while she worries Dunkin’s branding may be distracting. She also noted that Starbucks offers a wider variety of menu items beyond donuts.
In response to these concerns, Eagle Dining clarified that the new space will not fully adopt Dunkin’s signature bright pink and orange design. While the counter area will reflect the Dunkin brand, the seating and study areas will be designed to align with Southern Miss identity. Plans include a color palette of gray, gold, and black, along with softer seating and expanded access to power outlets to better accommodate students studying or working between classes.
The new Dunkin will be similar to the space in Seymour’s. The environment will be a reflection of Southern Miss colors while the counter space will be the brand.
Eagle Dining also addressed misconceptions about the menu. While some students believe Dunkin primarily serves donuts, officials stated that the menu will be comparable to Starbucks, offering hot and iced coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas, and a range of food options.
The transition is already underway. The Starbucks location, originally scheduled to close on April 29, will now remain open until May 13 after student concerns about losing access during finals week.
