University Bookstore Review
A University Bookstore Review and RFP Committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, and administrators to explore opportunities to be innovative, enhance the Kent State University Bookstore experience, and oversee the RFP process for identifying the bookstore strategic partner. The committee is charged with reviewing bookstore services and integrating these findings into a thoughtful RFP. The committee is asked to consider multiple aspects of the bookstore experience, including but not limited to digital delivery, accessibility, affordability, changes in consumer behavior, and innovations in selling textbooks, branded merchandise and technology. Furthermore, the committee will oversee the bookstore RFP process from design to the vetting of finalists.
Purpose
- Review and Analyze: Conduct a thorough review of historical and current bookstore operations to assess successes and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborative Solutions: Engage the university community to address concerns related to affordability, accessibility, and the overall bookstore experience.
- Strategic Vision: Ensure the bookstore's future operations support the university’s long-term growth, with a focus on innovation in textbook delivery, branded merchandise, and technology.
- Future-Focused Planning: Develop and release an RFP that integrates the findings from our review, with a focus on forward-looking, actionable solutions.
- Transparent Oversight: Oversee the entire RFP process from design through to the vetting of finalists, ensuring broad participation and input from all stakeholders.
Membership
The Committee will be comprised with representation from the following:
Cesquinn M. Curtis – Co-Chair, Associate Vice President for Student Life
Kenneth Burhanna – Co-Chair, Dean, University Libraries
Jeannie Reifsnyder – Co-Chair, Sr. Associate Vice President, Finance & Administration
Shannon Brown – President, Undergraduate Student Government (USG)
Amanda Feaster - Director, Student Accessibility Services
Sameer Jaleel - Associate Chief Information Officer, Digital Enterprise Systems (DES)
LaToya Littles - College of Applied and Technical Studies, IT Program, primary assignment is Salem campus
Nate Lennox – Director of Academic Affairs, Undergraduate Student Government (USG)
Brad Keefer - Associate Professor, History, College of Arts and Science
Cindy Kristof - Associate Professor, Copyright and Scholarly Communications Librarian
Sarah Motts - Director I, Enrollment Management and Student Services (Salem campus)
Rebecca Murphy - Sr. Associate Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
Lisa O’Connell – Director, University Events and Protocol
Michael O’Karma - Sr. Director, Office of Student Life Finance & Technology
Lisa Onyao - Executive Vice Chair, Graduate Student Senate (GSS)
Susan Roxburgh - Professor and Graduate Coordinator; Department of Sociology and Criminology
Denise Seachrist - Dean and Chief Administrative Officer (Stark & Salem campuses)
Scott Sheridan - Interim, Associate Provost, Academic Affairs
Jaden Spicer - Coordinator, Operations and Special Projects, Kent Campus - Lifelong Learning
Laurie Wagner - Associate Professor & Program Coordinator for HED & IHS
Ann Winter – Executive Chair, Graduate Student Senate (GSS)
Kristin Yeager - Head, Statistical Consulting, Associate Professor, University Libraries
Milestones
Sept. 23, 2024: The University Bookstore and RFP Committee Kick-off Meeting
Oct. 7, 2024: The University Bookstore and RFP Committee Meeting
Oct. 21, 2024: The University Bookstore and RFP Committee Meeting
Nov. 8, 2024: RFP issued
Nov. 18, 2024: The University Bookstore and RFP Committee Meeting
Dec. 2, 2024: The University Bookstore and RFP Committee Meeting
Dec. 9, 2024: Proposals due via DynamicForms submission
Jan. 8, 2025: University Bookstore Vendor Presentation
Jan. 9, 2025: University Bookstore Vendor Presentation
Jan. 10, 2025: University Bookstore Vendor Presentation
Jan. 13, 2025: The University Bookstore and RFP Committee Meeting