LETTERS FROM THE LEADERS

Letters from the Sales Coordinators

Just over 5 years ago, Dr. Lopez and I had the vision to create a program where students would be exposed to a professional sales curriculum that included engagement with and feedback from sales professionals. We were fortunate that Northwestern Mutual saw the potential of our vision, and decided to fund the sales training classroom. Further, Smitty’s Supply Company generously provided funding for our executive conference room.

The Southeastern Professional Sales Program trains 200+ students per year in professional selling classes. Through the sales curriculum combined with specialized events, we are able to provide a recruiting pipeline of work-ready talent for our corporate sponsors. We are fortunate to partner with 13 company sponsors who provide not just amazing career opportunities but also work directly with us to professionally develop our students.

The program is poised to continue to grow its quality and impact. Our sales alumni have already begun to give back by mentoring our students and attending events. The friendships and connections made through this program will last a lifetime. Many people say to find a job you love; well, I truly love what I do and could not imagine being anywhere else with anyone else.

Thank you all for your support,

Letters from the Sales Coordinators

In my role in the Southeastern Professional Sales Program, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with our sales students to prepare them for sales competitions, execute sales program activities, and teach sales classes. As someone who recently joined the program, the simplest way to describe why I decided to come here was the people.

First, the sales program students and alumni I have met are energetic, welcoming, and highly motivated. Second, the amazing efforts of Dr. Kemp and Dean Lopez are evident in not just the students but also the excellence of the sales curriculum and the strength of the corporate relationships. The momentum achieved in a relatively short period of time is outstanding. Just this school year alone, the overall winners of the role play competitions at the Lagniappe and Bayou Sales Challenges, as well as the International Collegiate Sales Competition, have all hailed from Southeastern Louisiana University. LION UP!!!

All this speaks to now being an extremely exciting time in our history. Although much has been accomplished, we. are. just. getting. STARTED!!!! Here’s to many more years of success and impact!

Thank you all for your support,

Dr. April Kemp

Letter from the Dean

One of the greatest highlights of my career has been building the Southeastern Professional Sales Program, alongside Dr. Kemp, Dr. Butler, our students, corporate sponsors, and the community. It’s truly been a labor of love, as I’ve been able to see the impact of our efforts. This program truly changes lives.

Now as Dean of the College of Business, I can see even more clearly how the Sales Program aligns perfectly with our college’s mission: Engaging and growing a

Dr. Tim Butler

community of learners through quality experiences while positively impacting the region we serve. This annual report celebrates the past five years of growth, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of the program for many years to come.

Thank you all for your support,

Dr. Tará Lopez