Howard University and Follett Higher Education Unveil Transformed Bison Exchange Campus Store

In an exciting development for the Howard University community, Follett Higher Education and Howard University have unveiled the newly transformed Bison Exchange Campus Store. The grand reopening, celebrated on September 16, 2026, marks a significant milestone, turning a traditional bookstore into a dynamic 16,000-square-foot retail and community destination. This collaboration reflects a deep understanding of what makes a campus store truly valuable: a place that goes beyond transactions to foster connection, celebrate heritage, and support the academic and personal journeys of students.

For students, parents, and educators, this kind of investment in campus infrastructure signals a commitment to creating an enriching environment. A well-designed campus store can be a vital resource, providing not only essential academic materials but also a sense of belonging and pride. It serves as a physical touchpoint for the university's culture, offering spaces for study, collaboration, and the celebration of institutional achievements.

A Vision for Community and Connection

The core of the Bison Exchange renovation, according to Follett Higher Education and Howard University, was to create a space that genuinely reflects the culture, legacy, and community spirit of Howard. Rashad Young, senior vice president and chief administrative officer for Howard University, emphasized this point, stating that 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."

This vision translates into several key features. The store now boasts an expanded technology section, a broader assortment of Howard merchandise, and, significantly, new opportunities for programming and community engagement. A dedicated community event space is designed to host author events, fireside chats, receptions, and student programming. Furthermore, a new student study space offers an inviting environment for individual study and collaborative group work. These additions highlight a forward-thinking approach to campus retail, recognizing the importance of physical spaces in an increasingly digital world.

Emmanuel Kolady, chief executive officer of Follett Higher Education, echoed this sentiment, noting that "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." This substantial investment, which Follett states amounted to $1.4 million, underscores their commitment to partnership and to enhancing the overall campus experience.

Celebrating Scholarship and Entrepreneurship

A particularly commendable aspect of the new Bison Exchange is its focus on elevating Howard's rich tradition of scholarship, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The store now features a dedicated Alumni & Faculty Author collection, providing a prominent platform to showcase publications by members of the Howard University community. This not only celebrates the intellectual contributions of its faculty and alumni but also inspires current students by demonstrating the diverse achievements of those who have walked the same halls.

In a powerful nod to community and economic empowerment, the store also prominently features expanded Black-Owned and Howard Alumni Brand collections. This initiative provides greater visibility to entrepreneurs with direct connections to Howard and the broader community, fostering a supportive ecosystem for emerging businesses. For students aspiring to entrepreneurship, seeing these brands celebrated within their campus store can be incredibly motivating, offering tangible examples of success.

Beyond these community-focused elements, the Bison Exchange also introduces several enhanced retail and personalization experiences. These include an expanded Jordan Brand experience, an embroidery customization zone for personalized Howard apparel and gifts, and an expanded premium gift assortment. These thoughtful additions create a more engaging and personalized shopping experience, allowing individuals to express their Bison pride in unique ways.

Supporting Student Success Beyond the Bookstore

While the Bison Exchange offers a wealth of resources and a vibrant community space, academic success often requires support that extends beyond textbooks and merchandise. For K-12 students who are preparing for their future in higher education, and even for current university students who might be supporting younger siblings, free and accessible learning tools are invaluable.

Platforms like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, offer crucial academic assistance across a wide range of subjects. Whether it's understanding complex concepts, practicing for exams, or getting help with homework, tools like COSMIQ can complement the traditional learning environment by providing personalized, on-demand support. This kind of resource ensures that students, regardless of their background, have access to the help they need to thrive academically and prepare for the rigors of higher education. Students can also explore resources like the exam prep directory to get a head start on standardized tests.

A Model for Campus Retail in 2026

The transformed Bison Exchange Campus Store stands as a testament to the shared vision of Howard University and Follett Higher Education. It represents a modern approach to campus retail, one that prioritizes community, celebrates heritage, and fosters an environment conducive to learning and connection. By investing in spaces that are more than just stores, universities and their partners are creating vibrant hubs that enrich the entire educational journey, solidifying the campus as a true home away from home for students, faculty, and alumni alike.