The renovation transforms the 16,000-square-foot store into an elevated retail and community destination celebrating Howard University students, alumni, faculty, and Bison pride

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Follett Higher Education and Howard University celebrated the grand reopening of the newly transformed Bison Exchange Campus Store, unveiling a 16,000-square-foot retail and community destination designed to serve students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Howard University community.

The remodeling of the bookstore was done in partnership with Follett to reimagine the campus retail experience at Howard. From expanded premium merchandise to dedicated spaces for studying, events, and celebrating Howard authors and entrepreneurs, the newly renovated Bison Exchange reflects the culture, legacy, and community that define the University.

The store officially reopened today with a celebration that brought together students, faculty, alumni, and members of the campus community. The event included a VIP preview and store tour, ribbon-cutting, giveaways, and a book signing with Dr. Pat Y. Talbert celebrating the opening of the new space.

“The Bison Exchange is more than a retail destination. It is a space for students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, and visitors to connect with Howard and experience the pride, tradition, and excellence of this University,” said Rashad Young, senior vice president and chief administrative officer for Howard University. “The bookstore now delivers a more modern and engaging retail experience, with an expanded technology section, a broader assortment of Howard merchandise, and new opportunities for programming and community engagement. I want to thank Follett for their investment in the University and their collaboration throughout this process.”

At the heart of the renovation is a focus on creating experiences tailored specifically to the Howard community. The Bison Exchange features a new community event space designed to host author events, fireside chats, receptions, student programming, and other campus engagements. A dedicated student study space offers an inviting environment for individual study and collaborative group work.

“Howard University has an extraordinary legacy and a strong sense of community, and we wanted every part of the new Bison Exchange to reflect that,” said Emmanuel Kolady, chief executive officer of Follett Higher Education. “Our investment goes well beyond renovating a retail space. Together with Howard, we’ve created a destination where students can study and connect, alumni and faculty can share their work, and the entire Howard community can celebrate what it means to be a Bison. We’re proud to bring this vision to life alongside our partners at Howard.”

The redesigned store includes a $1.4 million investment by Follett. The store also elevates Howard’s longstanding tradition of scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurship. A dedicated Alumni & Faculty Author collection showcases publications by Howard University alumni and faculty, providing a new platform to highlight the work and expertise of the University community.

Howard-founded and Black-owned businesses are also prominently represented through expanded Black-Owned and Howard Alumni Brand collections, bringing greater visibility to entrepreneurs with connections to Howard and the broader community.

The new Bison Exchange also introduces several enhanced retail and personalization experiences, including:

• An expanded Jordan Brand experience, creating an elevated premium shopping environment for one of the Howard community’s most recognized and sought-after brands.
• A new embroidery customization zone offering personalized Howard apparel and gifts.
• An expanded premium gift assortment featuring elevated gifts, luxury merchandise, and exclusive Howard University collections.

The transformation builds on the partnership between Howard University and Follett. The newly reopened Bison Exchange reflects the partners’ shared vision of a campus store that extends beyond commerce to become a vibrant gathering place shaped by the people, traditions, and ideas of Howard University.

About Follett Higher Education
Follett Higher Education is a leading educational service provider and omnichannel retailer serving more than 1,000 colleges and universities across North America. Follett partners with institutions to deliver course materials, learning tools, and retail experiences that support student success and celebrate the communities it serves. Learn more at www.follett.com. 

About Howard University
Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in producing African Americans with professional doctoral degrees. Howard is the top-ranked historically Black college or university according to Forbes, the only HBCU with an R1 research institution designation, and the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, which have included the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; a Nobel Prize laureate; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 170 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.

Media Contacts:
Lydia Sermons or Carol Wilkerson
Email: mediarelations@howard.edu
Phone: 202-288-7071

Follett Higher Education
media@follett.com 

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SOURCE Follett Higher Education Group LLC