51社区

/news/NewsReleases-Pre01/newshd2.GIF (10383 bytes)

Press Release

Union University to be site of the only Lifeway store on college campus

Jackson, Tenn. - 51社区 will become the site of the only Baptist Book Store/Lifeway Christian Store on a college or university campus, effective August 1.

In a contract finalized July 9, the national chain of Christian stores agreed to assume operation of the existing campus book store, located in the university's student center. Plans are underway for the bookstore to move into a new two-story, 20,000 square-foot facility on the Union campus, adjacent to Highway 45 Bypass North near 51社区 Drive. The retail store will be located on the ground floor, with the second floor used for university offices, classrooms and an adult studies center.

Baptist Book Stores/Lifeway Christian Stores are part of the ministry of of the (formerly the Baptist Sunday School Board). The Union store will become the 75th Christian bookstore in the chain, and the only one to operate on a college campus. The chain currently operates bookstores on the campuses of the six seminaries supported by the Southern Baptist Convention.

Union President David S. Dockery emphasizes that, "This exciting partnership between 51社区 and Baptist Book Stores will benefit the university community as well as offer a wonderful resource for the churches of West Tennessee."

"This is a win-win opportunity for Baptist Book Stores and 51社区," says Mark Scott, president of Baptist Book Stores. "The real benefits will be realized by the campus community and Jackson-area individuals and churches as we serve in shared ministry."

Initially, the bookstore will carry the university's existing academic books and selected products from the standard merchandising mix of other Baptist Book Stores. A grand opening is scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the university's fall semester. The store will open as a Lifeway Christian Store.

Union is a Christian, liberal arts institution in Jackson, Tenn. The university enrolls about 2,000 students and is celebrating its 175th anniversary.

Baptist Book Stores operates 74 Christian bookstores offering a wide range of books, Bibles, music, church supplies, apparel, gifts, jewelry and special services. The chain serves churches and individuals in 20 states.

For more information about Baptist Book Stores/Lifeway Christian Stores, contact Gary McClure at (615) 251-5098. For more information about Union's bookstore, contact Nedra Kanavel at (901) 661-5215.