Expanded WSSU bookstore officially opens

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson, Barnes and Noble College’s regional manager, and other WSSU administrators cut the ribbon on Tuesday, Jan. 23, for the grand opening of the expanded university bookstore.

Since becoming Barnes & Noble College last summer, the bookstore has undergone a transformation, expanding from 2,890 square feet to 5,881 square feet. The store also features updated signage and displays throughout showcasing WSSU’s fierce new Rams logo. 

“It really speaks to the kind of university that we want to be and the kind of services that we want to provide for our students,” Robinson said. “This fits directly into our new strategic plan of excellence in every single place that you go. You can feel the freshness to it and you feel comfortable here.”

This is part of a number of recent campus enhancements. Recent updates include renovations at Kennedy Dining Hall, the addition of Chick-fil-A to the food court at the Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center and rebranding of the coffee shop in the W.B. Atkinson Science Building.

The additional space allows for an expanded selection of WSSU gifts and apparel, as well as Greek paraphernalia, laptops and other technology products, school supplies, reference and reading materials. The bookstore also offers beverages, food and snack items. 

Students are also able to purchase or rent textbook with more ease. The textbook area has more variety and students can now browse the aisles.

WSSU is one of more than 20 higher education institutions that Barnes & Noble College partners with in North Carolina, including North Carolina A&T State University, Wake Technical Community College, Salem College and Academy, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Barnes & Noble College operates 770 campus stores nationwide.