A Warm Welcome from the President

Dear SWCBA Members,

I am both honored and excited to announce my new role as President of the Southwest College Bookstore Association for this upcoming year. I still remember my first day in the industry in November of 1999. I have grown to love this industry for our commitment to the success of college students and college bookstores. As we think about this next year and the years after it, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible potential we have as a community.  The key word here being “community”

The landscape of college bookstores is evolving rapidly, shaped by advancements in technology, shifts in student preferences, and new educational models. As we face these changes, our commitment to adapting and innovating will be essential. The importance of our role in supporting students and faculty through accessible resources and services cannot be overstated. This is why the community is so important.  No one has all the answers. 

In the coming year, we will need to remain vigilant in our efforts to understand these trends and respond proactively. This will require collaboration, creativity, and an openness to new ideas. I encourage each of you to share your insights and experiences as we explore innovative solutions that not only enhance our operations but also enrich the student experience. The more we can share our successes and failures, the better we will all be at answering the challenge.

Together, we can navigate these changes and seize the opportunities that arise. I am eager to work alongside all of you, fostering a spirit of cooperation and support as we strive for excellence in our mission. We all need the collaboration of as many leaders as we can find. We have a strong, committed board for your association and I am honored to be working with them for the benefit of all our members and those who are not yet members.

Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this exciting year. Let’s make it one filled with growth, learning, and success!

Michael J Kelly

President, Southwest College Bookstore Association 

Past Presidents