Radford University Partners with eCampus.com to Revolutionize Campus Store and Course Materials Access

Innovative Partnership Between Radford University and eCampus.com

Radford University, a leading public institution in Virginia, is set to transform the way students access course materials by partnering with eCampus.com, a prominent online textbook retailer. This collaboration will take effect in July 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the university’s Highlander Bookstore and its online bookstore platform.

Enhanced Accessibility and Affordability

The partnership aims to create a more efficient and affordable experience for students. With eCampus.com at the helm, the university will replace the previous bookstore services previously offered by Barnes & Noble. The new strategy focuses on providing students with a personalized online storefront that simplifies the purchasing process for both physical and digital course materials. This means that students will have easier access to new, used, and rental textbooks, alongside a variety of digital content options.

Rob Hoover, Vice President for Finance and Administration at Radford University, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: "We look forward to the opening of the new Highlander Bookstore in Dalton Hall and launching the new website on July 1. This partnership will not only lower costs for students but will also enhance their shopping experience, both online and in-store."

Integration with Student Information System

One of the standout features of this collaboration is the direct integration of eCampus.com with Radford University’s Student Information System. This advancement will allow for a seamless ordering process during class registration through Single Sign-On (SSO). Students will be able to efficiently order required and recommended materials, which will help mitigate the hassle of textbook hunting and streamline their academic experience.

Additionally, eCampus.com will offer free shipping of course materials to the Highlander Bookstore, allowing students to pick up their orders on campus without extra charges. The partnership also includes a price match guarantee, ensuring that students receive the best possible prices for their required materials.

Support for Faculty and Overall Community

Faculty members will also benefit from eCampus.com’s innovative platform, which supports the adoption of course materials and provides detailed analytics regarding student purchasing behavior. This feature empowers educators to make informed decisions about the textbooks and digital resources they choose, ultimately fostering an environment of academic success.

Matt Montgomery, President and CEO of eCampus.com, emphasized the importance of this partnership by stating, "We are excited to showcase how next-generation hybrid bookstore services can drive academic outcomes and elevate Radford's strong brand. Our goal is to redefine how students and faculty interact with course materials."

The Highlander Bookstore will undergo extensive renovations, increasing its selection of Radford University-branded merchandise such as apparel, accessories, and gifts. This revamped retail environment will become a central hub for student services, including order pickups, seasonal buyback events, and rental returns, all aimed at enhancing the overall campus experience.

Conclusion

With this strategic partnership between Radford University and eCampus.com, both the academic and retail experiences on campus are set to receive significant upgrades. The focus on accessibility, affordability, and enhanced services aligns perfectly with Radford's commitment to supporting its diverse community of students and faculty. As the Highlander Bookstore prepares to officially open under eCampus.com management on July 1, 2025, anticipation grows for the positive impact this collaboration will bring to the Radford University community. For more information about the new bookstore and online services, visit eCampus.com.