UW Sales Program Named Top Program for Fourth Consecutive Year

The University of Wyoming Center for Professional Selling recently was recognized by the Sales Education Foundation magazine as a “Top Sales Program” for sales education for the fourth consecutive year.

To be considered for this honor, sales programs must offer a minimum of three sales-specific classes; receive accreditation from an external source; and have university recognition of the program.

The Center for Professional Selling has been offering a degree concentration in professional sales and sales management for the past four years under the leadership of Mark Leach, the Mendicino Family Chair in Sales and Salesmanship in the College of Business. The sales program will launch a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a major in professional sales and a business minor in professional and technical selling this fall.

“According to a survey of sales managers, sales program graduates ramp up 50 percent faster than their non-sales educated peers. They also experience 30 percent less turnover. Sales graduates are prepared for their roles through highly specialized education featuring cutting-edge technologies,” notes the Sales Education Foundation website.

“The Center for Professional Selling is committed to preparing UW students for success in our changing business world,” Leach says. “Through our new major and minor, sales students develop essential skills to effectively engage and develop relationships with targeted customers while managing a pipeline of business.”

The Center for Professional Selling has over 100 students enrolled in sales classes at any given time during the academic year, and the number of students will continue to grow with the newly established major and minor in professional sales. Students enrolled in these programs are invited to a variety of corporate engagement activities throughout the year. These include sales competitions; classroom guest speakers; mock interviews; and a sales and marketing career fair specifically created for students looking for internships and full-time positions in sales.  

The Center for Professional Selling affords corporate partners the opportunity to engage with top sales students; build brand awareness; and examine student potential, commitment and fit for their organizations. Students benefit from the professional development and networking opportunities provided by the center, preparing them for future careers, says Chris Haller, the center’s director.

By developing partnerships with committed and involved sales organizations, the Center for Professional Selling will become a hub for the co-creation of value and opportunity between students and industry, Haller adds.

Students seeking additional information on the sales program can email the College of Business at salesctr@uwyo.edu. Sales organizations wanting to learn more about the Center for Professional Selling can email Haller at chris.haller@uwyo.edu or call (307) 766-4157. 

About the Center for Professional Selling 

The center is dedicated to excellence in sales education and advancing the sales profession. It supports selling and sales management professions; delivers innovative sales instruction; provides students numerous industry engagement opportunities; and conducts research that advances the field of sales.

The center serves students by enhancing their marketable skills in sales and sales leadership. It serves the UW College of Business and the state of Wyoming by developing critical industry alliances and providing prepared and in-demand talent to the workforce.

For more information about the UW Center for Professional Selling, visit www.uwyo.edu/mgtmkt/sales/.