Coyote Bookstore Manager Named Follett Corporation Store Manager of the Year

By: Elizabeth Ferreira

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Carmen Murillo

Photo Description:

Book Store Manager David Watts.

David Watts, store manager of Cal State San Bernardino’s Coyote Bookstores, was honored as a Store Manager of the Year by the Follett Corporation, which operates the bookstore for the university. Watts, who has managed the bookstore more than a year, was named one of four recipients of the “P.R. Litzsinger Store Manager of the Year” award, said Bob Scholl, Follett senior vice president for retail operations. The annual award was established to honor P.R. Litzsinger, retired president and CEO of Follett, who through 40 years of leadership helped develop the company into a leading provider of products and services to the educational market, Scholl said. The “P.R. Litzsinger Store Manager of the Year” award is one of the most coveted honors in the Follett Higher Education Group. The award is given to only the top four managers out of 1,200 stores. “The award recognizes those store managers who, simply put, are the best of the best,” Scholl said. “They successfully demonstrate our Follett Values and Strategic Competencies, create a positive and fulfilling work environment, and – most importantly – deliver a hassle-free shopping experience for our valued customers.” Debbie Burns, assistant vice president for CSUSB’s Auxiliary 7 Business Services and Risk Management, praised Watts and his leadership abilities. “Strong leadership at the top will ensure that employees are productive and happy, and the organization runs seamlessly operationally,” Burns said. “That is what I see at the CSUSB Coyote Bookstore since David’s arrival.” “In my short time at CSUSB, we have made major strides in customer service, and have implemented our IncludEd program with the Early Start/First STEP programs this summer,” Watts said. “The award makes me very proud to be a member of the CSUSB community and be able to help so many faculty, students, staff and alumni.” The other winners are: Corrine (Cory) Adamski, store manager, Humboldt State University Bookstore; Ryan Snyder, store manager, SUNY Broome Community College; and Lynne Vaughan, district director, University of Florida Bookstores. “Their commitment to Follett, to their teams and to their customers is something to be admired and warrants this distinguished recognition,” Scholl said. The winners are nominated by their regional managers. Each winner will receive an engraved trophy and a check for $5,000.