The University of Georgia marked the completion of a major renovation at the UGA Bookstore with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 22. The event brought together members of the university community and representatives from Follett Higher Education, which has operated the bookstore since 2003.
Located between the Zell B. Miller Learning Center and Sanford Stadium, the UGA Bookstore serves as a central resource for student course materials and is known as the largest supplier of licensed UGA merchandise.
The remodel included updates to areas dedicated to textbooks, school supplies, dorm essentials, and technology products. As a licensed Apple retailer and service provider, the bookstore also carries PC products and offers repair services for computers and smartphones.
One notable feature of the renovation is an expanded course materials section on the top floor, now covering more than 3,100 square feet. This area integrates with Athena, UGA’s student registration system, allowing students to access personalized lists of required textbooks for their courses.
Changes to the ground floor layout were made to improve movement through the store during game days. Additions include a dedicated game day shop, an area themed around Uga (the university mascot), a name, image and likeness customization center, and an increased selection of premium apparel from brands such as Nike, Peter Millar, johnnie-O, and Onward Reserve.
Other enhancements include new fixtures, marble flooring, seating areas, and dynamic wall features throughout the building.
Follett Higher Education provided most of the funding for this project. Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education; Jere W. Morehead, president of UGA; and other university officials participated in cutting the ribbon at the event.
“We’re grateful to Follett for making this amazing transformation possible,” said Brett Jackson, associate vice president for auxiliary services. “With their help and the hard work of many people over the past several months, every square inch of the bookstore has been reimagined, reconfigured and refreshed to make it better than ever for students and UGA supporters.”
