Fayetteville Technical Community College is gaining national attention for its collaborative and innovative approach to campus engagement, following a recent feature at the National Association of College Store Auxiliary Services (NACAS) conference this spring. 

FTCC’s Staff Council and campus bookstore were highlighted during the conference as a model of cross-departmental partnership, particularly for their “Behind the Scenes” tour initiative launched in 2025. The program invites faculty and staff to explore campus departments and gain a deeper understanding of daily operations. 

The initiative also drew the attention of Jon Bibo, CEO of the Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA), who reached out to FTCC’s bookstore team to learn more about the program and its broader impact. 

One of the standout elements presented was the bookstore’s participation in the Staff Council tours, which quickly became the most popular option among attendees. Building on that momentum, the bookstore expanded its involvement in 2026, offering four tours across two days. 

“When the Staff Council approached us last year, there wasn’t a second thought about participating,” said William Parry, FTCC’s director of auxiliary services, in a press release. “It was an  opportunity to bring staff and faculty into our space and give them a real glimpse of what  we do every day.” 

The tours have served as both an educational experience and a relationship-building tool.  Attendees receive a custom t-shirt created during the tour, offering a hands-on look at the bookstore’s in-house capabilities, including screen printing and embroidery. 

Parry said those services have become a key driver of innovation and connection across campus. 

“Screen printing and embroidery is my go-to on taking advantage of an opportunity,” Parry said in a press release. “Embroidery can be started with just one machine and a little training, and it has  opened so many doors for us to work with departments, student groups and others on  campus.” 

He added that the bookstore’s agility and responsiveness have helped reshape perceptions of its role. 

“I like having a conversation with someone who says, ‘I wish you had…,’ and a week later I  can call them and say it’s here and ready,” Parry said in a press release. “It fulfills the mission of being a personalized store for your campus. We challenge ourselves to think outside the box and  ask, ‘What can we do to better meet your needs?’” 

Bibo said FTCC’s approach stands out as a national example of innovation in the college store industry. 

“William Parry and the team at the FTCC Bookstore have impressed us with their innovative ideas to support their campus and all of their customers,” Bibo said in a press release. “We are excited to  share their creative ideas with college stores and campus administrators across the  country.” 

College leaders say the recognition reflects FTCC’s broader commitment to collaboration,  responsiveness and community-building; values that continue to shape its approach to serving students, faculty and staff.