Members of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Professional Sales Program attended the National Sales Challenge (NSC) hosted by William Patterson University of New Jersey – and walked away with several awards.

Maggie Gressett, senior marketing major and EAGLE Scholar, took first place in the sales role play competition and finished fifth place overall. Kennedy Lambert, senior marketing major, also advanced to the second role play round and scored exceptionally well. Maggie and Kennedy’s high scores earned USM a spot in the Top 10 University Sales Team Champions coming in at fifth place.

Reflecting on the experience, Maggie said, “In my 21 years of life, I have never felt as much school pride as I did that entire week in New Jersey. From first impressions on day one to the friends we made all throughout the week, I was so proud to be from a school where every single person wearing a USM name tag was kind, helpful, and humble. The connections I made at the competition will, I’m sure, last well into my adult life and career.”

Advancing from student competitor to now student coach, Kaela Barnicle notes, “Maggie and Kennedy’s dedication and growth mindset were showcased at this competition. Their performance contributes to the tremendous success that the Sales Program has seen this year.”

“My favorite part of the award ceremony,” Maggie mentioned. “Even above winning, was as I walked back to our table, we did the S-O-U-T-H-E-R-N chant…at the top of my lungs….to the point of hoarseness. One team.”

NSC invites 50 sales students from 25 different universities across the country. This competition consists of two main events: a sales role play with three elimination rounds and a speed selling competition.

The Southern Miss team walked away with several awards, both industry and academic connections, and even a job offer in Colorado for Maggie! Sales students incur minimal costs to attend competitions thanks to sales program sponsors. Sponsors for 2023-2024 include Cintas, Jones Logistics, Howard Technology Solutions, and Fastenal.

 

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 36 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 24 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.

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