"I am pleased to announce that Follett's Board of Directors has elected Mark Litzsinger to succeed me as chairman of Follett Corporation. Mark will become Follett's new chairman on April 1, 2001, following my retirement", said Follett's current Chairman Kenneth Hull. "He will report, along with the company's President and CEO, to Follett's board of directors."

As Follett's new chairman, Mark will be primarily responsible for shareholder relations and corporate governance. The Company's board plays a key role in providing input and approving the direction of the company in its vision and strategy.

Mark is well qualified to serve as Follett's next chairman. During his 23 years with the company, Mark has demonstrated his commitment to Follett as well as his keen understanding of business issues. Mark joined Follett in 1978 after earning his bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University. He started as a management trainee at Saddleback Community College Bookstore in Mission Viejo, California and eventually managed Follett bookstores at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and Purdue University.

In 1988, he was appointed director of new business development for Follett Corporation. While in this position, he negotiated Follett's partnership with BMI Systems, Inc. to establish Custom Academic Publishing Company (CAPCO) – a provider of custom academic course materials for higher education. From 1991 to 1998, Mark served as president of CAPCO. Since 1998, Mark has served as vice chairman of Follett Corporation – a position that has prepared him well for his new role as chairman. Mark is also a member of Follett's board of directors, a member of the board governance committee and a trustee of the Follett Educational Foundation.

Please join me in congratulating Mark on his well-deserved election as Chairman of Follett Corporation's Board of Directors.