The University of Kentucky is looking to privatize its dining services in an effort to bring in millions of dollars for new dining facilities on campus, The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

University officials will begin negotiations with vendors soon, Eli Capilouto, president of the institution, told The Lexington Herald-Leader.

"We have a very good dining operation and exemplary staff. That has never been in question and it shouldn't be now," Capilouto said. "But the most important question is, how do we ensure that we have the best possible service for all those we serve going forward - most significantly our students?"

For the past year, school officials have reviewed and discussed food service options.

Local food advocates have expressed concerns that a large corporation won't pay attention to a growing local-food movement.

However, Capilouto said the university's best interests will be served by a vendor who can ""invest millions of dollars in upgrading dining facilities across campus, offer more convenient hours and expand food options, including healthier choices for customers," The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

The university is currently involved with another public-private partnership with a developer, Memphis-based Education Realty Trust, which is building $348 million worth of new dorms. As a result of this partnership, the university is expected to house 21 percent more students on campus by next fall.

"Such growth is, without question, the right thing to do. We know from research that students learn better and do better when they live on campus. We must have facilities in dining and other areas that support that growth and that desire for expanded and healthier food options. Currently, we do not," Eric Monday, the university's executive vice president for finance and administration, told The Lexington Herald-Leader.