Dozens of members of the University of Georgia and Follett Higher Education gathered on Aug. 22 for a ribbon cutting at the UGA Bookstore. The event celebrated the completion of a major remodel of the bookstore to modernize its look and enhance the Georgia Bulldog experience.

Located in the heart of the University of Georgia campus, between the Zell B. Miller Learning Center and Sanford Stadium, the UGA Bookstore is the headquarters for student course materials and the largest source of licensed UGA merchandise and gifts.

The bookstore remodel revamped areas for student textbooks, school supplies, dorm essentials and technology. The UGA Bookstore is a licensed Apple retailer and service provider in addition to carrying PC products and providing repair services for computers and smartphones.

The expanded course materials section on the top floor now spans more than 3,100 square feet. Through an integration with Athena, UGA’s student registration system, students can get a personalized list of textbooks and other materials needed for the courses they’re taking.

The bookstore’s ground floor layout was redesigned in the remodel to improve flow on game days. Bulldog fans will enjoy a dedicated game day shop; a special Uga-themed area; a Name, Image and Likeness customization center; and a greater selection of premium apparel from brands such as Nike, Peter Millar, johnnie-O and Onward Reserve.

The remodel also added sleek new fixtures, marble flooring, seating areas and dynamic wall features throughout the bookstore.

The UGA Bookstore’s business partner, Follett Higher Education, provided most of the funding for the project. Follett has partnered with UGA to operate the bookstore since fall 2003.

Follett CEO Emmanuel Kolady was one of the ribbon cutters at the event along with UGA President Jere W. Morehead and other members of the university.

“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.”