WKU Regents approve Barnes and Noble for bookstore operations

Courtesy WKU

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Friday, the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents approved a 10-year contract with Barnes and Noble College for bookstore operations.

“The university textbook industry is changing rapidly,” Susan Howarth, WKU’s Executive Vice President for Strategy, Operations and Finance, said. “There is direct competition from online retailers and sometimes even the publishers. And our students today are digital natives, making them even more likely to shop online.”

Howarth said these changes, including the migration of students to electronic delivery over hardbound books, requires additional expertise and investment available from major retailers.

“We feel transitioning to Barnes and Noble will best serve our students, both in terms of providing excellent customer service and in keeping an eye on overall cost,” she said. 

The new contract includes store renovation, an annual textbook scholarship of $15,000 and WKU will receive 90 percent of commissionable sales throughout most of the agreement. All current WKU Store employees will have the option to remain employed with the same salary.

Students will be allowed to interact with the book store using an app as well according to Dr. Jennifer Tougas, WKU’s Interim Assistant Vice President Of Business Services. The contract officially begins July 1.

In other business, the Board:

• Approved assigning General Counsel Deborah Wilkins to the position of Senior Advisor/Interim Title IX Coordinator, effective July 1.
• Approved the appointment of Assistant General Counsel Andrea Anderson to General Counsel, effective July 1.
• Approved University Distinguished Professor appointments for Dr. Rodney King, Professor of Biology, and Ms. Yvonne Petkus, Professor of Art.
• Approved a bachelor of fine arts degree in Film Production and a bachelor of science degree in Environmental, Sustainability and Geographic Studies.
• Approved a graduate certificate in Epidemiology.
•  Approved undergraduate certificates in Accredited Financial Counselor, Citizenship and Social Justice, Workplace Communication, Game Design, Graphic Design and Paralegal Studies.