Textbook Brokers Establishes Scholarships for A-State College of Business, Incoming Freshmen
JONESBORO — Textbook Brokers, a local book and apparel store dedicated to serving students at Arkansas State University, has committed to providing four total scholarships per semester to the College of Business and to a pair of incoming freshmen at A-State.
The six-figure financial commitment made by Textbook Brokers will provide $10,000 worth of scholarships each semester for A-State College of Business students. Two of the scholarships, each valued at $2,500 per semester, will be available for upper classmen in the College of Business, while the other two are designated for incoming freshmen to A-State.
The first scholarship opportunities will be available in spring 2015. Applicants must have at least a 2.75 grade point average. Scholarship committees select recipients after reviewing the submitted applications.
“It’s time we gave back to Arkansas State University,” said Bobby Lorimer, a co-owner of Textbook Brokers. “We are grateful for Arkansas State and the critical part they play in Jonesboro and the northeast Arkansas region. We would not be here if it wasn’t for A-State. It is time that we give back to the school.”
"Bobby, Rocky (Wilson, store manager) and the team at Textbook Brokers are incredible partners with the College of Business,” said Dr. Shane Hunt, dean of the College of Business. “They have used the education they received at A-State to help build a very successful company.
“They have hired our College of Business graduates to work for them across the country, and now they are giving back to the next generation of students through this extraordinarily generous gift. All of us in the College of Business are very thankful for the support and opportunities that Textbook Brokers provides our students."
Lorimer explained that Textbook Brokers is an Arkansas-based business with locations throughout the country. He noted that at least 6,500 students passed through the Jonesboro store during the 2014 fall semester. In addition, the store also has a large alumni customer base.
“A scholarship is just a wonderful way to show our appreciation to the students and the university. With our location being where it is, we’re big on price, convenience and customer service and that is how we stay relevant in this market,” stated Lorimer.
Textbook Brokers was originally housed in the former Carr’s Grocery building before moving next door to the current location at 2106 E. Johnson. The business was primarily a place for A-State students to purchase textbooks. In the last seven years, as Arkansas State has grown, the clientele for the store and their needs have grown as well. Lorimer and store manager Rocky Wilson began stocking some apparel items and sales skyrocketed.
The business now handles the rental or buying/selling of textbooks as well as a full range of apparel, jewelry and other souvenir items. Books and other products may be purchased online or by phone. Wilson said that the business has a strong commitment to customer service.
“As a small business, the decision to create a scholarship was a team decision,” said Wilson, a College of Business graduate who was the first college student hired at Textbook Brokers. After seven years, he progressed to becoming manager of the store. “Most of us are A-State alumni who work here, so it was only natural for our team to want to give back to their alma mater.”
