Joelle Houshmand

The only not-for-profit Longhorn store bringing down the cost of course materials for Longhorn students since 1896! The University Co-op was founded in 1896 by Dr. William J. Battle, a professor of the Greek language who later served as president of The University of Texas at Austin from 1914 to 1916. The original store opened on campus — it was located in the University’s Main Building--with books, stationery and athletic goods, and the intent was to sell its products to students at the lowest possible prices. Twenty-two years later the Co-op moved off campus to a one-story building on Guadalupe across from the Student Union Center and started selling merchandise to local citizens as well. The Co-op remained a co-operative until 1977, when it became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational corporation owned by the students, faculty and staff of The University of Texas at Austin. Through different locations and meeting the ever-changing needs of students and faculty, the Co-op has stayed true to its original idea and mission. The Co-op's commitment to education is evident through its continuing services to the University of Texas at Austin. Every semester, the Co-op manages the Course Material requisition process to ensure that the University is compliant with state and federal law. Each semester, the Co-op services tens of thousands of students, providing helpful guidance to Longhorns from their freshman textbooks to their graduation announcements and cap and gowns.