Lipscomb University, Tree of Life Bookstores partner on textbooks, university bookstore
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Lipscomb University officials announced today that it is partnering with Tree of Life Bookstores in the operation of the university’s bookstore beginning July 1.
Located in the Bennett Campus Center, the university bookstore is the on-campus resource for textbooks and supplies in addition to Lipscomb apparel and university-branded items, books, backpacks and other merchandise. The Lipscomb community will see a continuity of operations in the transition to the new bookstore management team with the store being opened according to its regular schedule.
“We could not be more pleased with the new opportunities our partnership with Tree of Life will offer our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said L. Randolph Lowry, Lipscomb president. “Their mission aligns closely with the values that are so important to us at Lipscomb, and we look forward to the ways we will work together to serve our students with this common purpose as a foundation.”
This partnership will provide Lipscomb students more affordable and flexible access to course materials, and will give the entire campus community an improved selection of Lipscomb-branded apparel and gifts in the store, said Jeff Wilson, director of service operations and retail operations at Lipscomb.
“They are working closely with our staff to plan a truly great retail experience that is true to the Lipscomb spirit,” said Wilson. “During our conversations with the Tree of Life leadership, it became quickly evident that they share our same values and truly view this as a way to better serve our students. They have a unique understanding of our community, and will be a strong partner.”
Tree of Life plans to offer its innovative Textbook Butler service to Lipscomb students. For students who enroll in this free service, Textbook Butler provides on-campus, residence hall delivery of all course materials and books to students to receive all of their course materials delivered before classes begin each semester.
“Tree of Life is excited to begin our partnership with Lipscomb University,” said Darren Campbell, CEO and founder of Tree of Life Bookstores, “We plan to invest heavily in the success of this new venture in order to support Lipscomb in its mission of integrating Christian faith and practice with academic excellence.”
Campbell said Tree of Life officials are planning a exciting, service-based store experience in-store and through an increased online presence over the next several months. He said the Lipscomb community can expect to see more high-quality merchandise from national brands that allow them to show their Bison pride. The store will be operated using Tree of Life’s Preserve Software Suite, which is custom designed to meet the needs of 21st century college stores.
Tree of Life Bookstores is a family-owned business that started in 1997 with one community bookstore in Marion, Indiana. Today, they partner with colleges and universities nationwide, including Indiana Wesleyan University and Taylor University among others, providing unique solutions and relevant products that reflect the high standards of their partner institutions.
For more information, visit www.treeoflifebooks.com.