#United States #Washington, D.C. #Howard University #Follett Higher Education #Bison Exchange

The Bison Exchange Campus Store Reopens: A New Era Begins

On September 16, 2026, a vibrant celebration marked the reopening of the Bison Exchange Campus Store located at Howard University. This newly remodeled 16,000-square-foot retail space not only provides essential resources for students, faculty, and alumni but also stands as a testament to the academic pride and culture inherent to the Howard community.

A Revitalized Space for the Community

The renovation of the Bison Exchange, executed in collaboration with Follett Higher Education, aims at creating a distinctive campus retail experience. The store features expanded merchandise options alongside dedicated areas for studying, events, and highlighting Howard’s talented authors and entrepreneurs. With a modern design and dynamic offerings, the Bison Exchange now functions as a multifaceted hub where the community can gather, learn, and celebrate.

During the official reopening ceremony, key figures including students, faculty, and alumni joined in to commemorate the occasion. The event was marked by a VIP preview, a tour of the new store, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, and a special book signing featuring Dr. Pat Y. Talbert.

A Place to Connect

Rashad Young, senior vice president at Howard University, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “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.” With a focus on fostering community engagement, the store boasts an expanded technology section, a broader selection of Howard-branded merchandise, and new opportunities for programming.

The renovation places a strong emphasis on tailoring experiences specifically to the Howard community. An event space allows hosting author events and community gatherings, while a student study area encourages collaboration and study sessions amongst peers.

Executive Chairman of Follett, Emmanuel Kolady, noted that their investment went beyond mere retail renovation. He said, “Together with Howard, we've created a destination where students can study, alumni and faculty can share their work, and the entire Howard community can celebrate what it means to be a Bison.” The collaboration reflects a shared vision of a campus store that serves as a lively gathering place shaped by the diverse elements of the Howard University experience.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Entrepreneurship

The investment of $1.4 million by Follett signifies an important step in nurturing Howard's legacy of scholarship and creativity. A highlighted feature of the Bison Exchange is the Alumni & Faculty Author collection, which displays publications by successful alumni and faculty members, fostering an environment that boasts creativity, knowledge, and scholarship.

Moreover, the store emphasizes Black-owned businesses, showcasing collections from Howard-founded enterprises and alumni brands, thus promoting a sense of community and entrepreneurship. This new section brings visibility to Black entrepreneurs and their contributions, aligning perfectly with the mission of celebrating cultural heritage.

Redesigned Retail Experience

The modernized Bison Exchange also introduces enhanced retail experiences, such as:

• - An expanded Jordan Brand section, creating a more premium shopping environment for Howard's most sought-after brand.
• - A new embroidery customization zone for personalization of Howard apparels and gifts.
• - An expanded premium gift assortment featuring luxurious merchandise exclusive to Howard University.

With these improvements, the transformation of the Bison Exchange not only aims to facilitate commerce but also to enrich the campus community, making it a central place for shared experiences and collective growth.

Looking Ahead

As Howard University continues to lead in education and community outreach, the Bison Exchange Campus Store stands as a powerful symbol of what it means to be part of this vibrant institution. Partners Follett Higher Education and Howard University are excited about the limitless possibilities that lie ahead as they welcome students, alumni, and community members into this revitalized space that honors both tradition and progress.

In conclusion, the Bison Exchange serves not just as a retail outlet but rather a lively, communal center where the spirit of Bison pride thrives, reinforcing the shared connections amongst all members of the Howard family.