Arizona State University Selects Follett Higher Education Group to Manage Campus Bookstores

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Feb 22, 2011, 05:29 ET

TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona State University has selected Follett Higher Education Group (FHEG) to manage the ASU Bookstores operations. The decision came after an evaluation of options and a process that included multiple, highly capable respondents.

An evaluation committee identified Follett, which manages more than 880 college and university bookstores across the continent, as the company with the experience and resources to best serve the ASU community. Pending execution of the contract, Follett will assume management of bookstores on or about May 16, 2011. The university will continue to operate ASU Bookstores until then, and all employees will be invited to make the transition with Follett.

Follett is committed to providing first-class service to ASU's students, faculty and employees. A main focus will be on affordability – introducing new programs like Rent-A-Text – while offering a bookstore of choices, including growing digital content offerings both in-store and online, through the nation's largest online textbook portal: www.efollett.com.

"Follett has demonstrated an ability to drive new programs to positively impact the university communities they serve," said Ray Jensen, ASU associate vice president, University Business Services. "Follett's commitment to both high quality customer services and affordability were our primary evaluation criteria. They will bring to this endeavor not only operational experience and expertise but also a value system consistent with the mission of ASU."

As part of this new operational agreement, the ASU community will see several additional enhancements to ASU Bookstores. Follett will fund various remodel initiatives for the campus bookstore retail operations, introduce new textbook scholarships for ASU students, provide a new merchandise catalog for Sun Devil students, fans and alumni, and offer additional training and development opportunities for ASU Bookstore employees specifically designed to enrich their retail and customer skills.

"We are privileged to have been selected to provide bookstore services to Arizona State University," said Thomas Christopher, president, Follett Higher Education Group. "We are fully committed to using all our resources to provide the products and services that will enhance the academic mission of the university and support all aspects of campus life."

SOURCE Arizona State University