Nebraska Book Co., a division of Validis Resources, recently assumed the remaining three years of the University of Louisiana Monroe’s bookstore management contract with Campus Corner.

ULM's bookstore, located on Northeast Drive in Sandel Hall.

The transition took effect July 1, though no changes were made in the current bookstore management team. All bookstore personnel were also retained.

Dave Nicklas, ULM’s Vice-President for Business Affairs, said the decision to change companies was a well-analyzed and timely decision.

Nicklas

“Campus Corner has provided ULM students and faculty excellent service for more than six years,” he said.

“However, Validis Resources, working in conjunction with Campus Corner, provided ULM an excellent opportunity to enhance our customers’ experiences at the bookstore. We look forward to this new partnership and the value it provides our students, faculty, alumni and the community.”

A few of the positive opportunities expected from the change include:

• Leading-edge web services providing greater customer convenience

• Expansion of ULM’s ability to provide students with more used textbooks and help lower net textbook expenses

• Comprehensive training programs and best practices designed to improve operations and other professional development opportunities for bookstore employees

• Quick and easy tracking of daily sales information and target trends

• Cutting-edge apparel and general merchandise targeted toward students and alumni

Specific financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, however Nicklas said Validis Resources is providing ULM with an aggressive financial package designed to help offset current budget constraints.

“We are pleased to be able to serve ULM and look forward to providing university students, faculty and alumni, along with the community, excellent service and the products they have come to expect from the university’s bookstore,” said Barry S. Major, President and Chief Operating Officer of Nebraska Book Co.

“Campus Corner is a first-rate organization and we look forward to carrying on their tradition of excellence at ULM,” he said.

Nebraska Book Co., which began with a single bookstore near the University of Nebraska campus in 1915, serves more than 2.1 million students through its network of approximately 275 stores across the country. Additional information about the company is available at www.nebook.com.





Photos by ULM's Office of University Relations