Bloomsburg granted full membership in University Sales Center Alliance

The Professional Sales Center (PSC) of the Zeigler College of Business has been approved for full membership status in the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA). The announcement was made at the organization's annual meeting in Ogden, Utah last month.

The Professional Sales Center at Bloomsburg, a Commonwealth University, is under the direction of Dr. Monica Favia, chair of the Department of Professional Sales and Marketing. The dean of the Zeigler College of Business is Dr. Todd Shawver.

The USCA is a consortium of sales centers connecting university faculty members with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Full membership is awarded following a rigorous application process.

"Recognition as a full member of the USCA is exciting news for our university," said Bashar W. Hanna, president. "We become the first institution in the state of Pennsylvania to earn full membership. Acceptance into the USCA raises our profile with national and international companies. Congratulations to Dean Shawver and Dr. Favia for the great work they have done to earn full membership."

"Receiving full membership status in the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA) is a great accomplishment for the Zeigler College of Business and our professional sales program and center," Shawver said. "After holding associate member status for a number of years, full membership provides an environment for high-quality experiential learning that meets the rigorous standards for full membership in the USCA. As the only professional sales major in Pennsylvania, this recognition is a testament to Dr. Favia and the professional sales faculty, providing top-notch educational experiences that allow our students to launch their professional careers successfully."

The professional sales and marketing major at Bloomsburg was first named among the top North American schools in 2015 by the Sales Education Foundation's (SEF) listing of the best universities offering professional sales education. It is one of only six Pennsylvania institutions included in the listing. SEF recognizes institutions for elevating the sales profession through university education.

Students in the professional sales major participate in five major competitions each year, the National Collegiate Sales Competition (NCSC); the International Collegiate Sales Competition (ICSC), hosted by Florida State; the Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition; the National Shores Sales Competition; and the Russ Berrie National Sales Challenge. Bloomsburg students have excelled over the years in the competitions, including finishing fourth out of 70 institutions at the NCSC. At the ISCS, Bloomsburg has finished in the top 10 several times in the last decade.

Formed in 2002, the USCA membership has grown to 68 schools. Members represent a diverse group of programs ranging from very new to well-established sales centers in the U.S. and Europe. Member schools all support the USCA's mission of providing leadership in education, research, and outreach by enhancing the sales profession through setting and monitoring sales program standards, sharing best practices, enhancing sales curricula, and preparing students for a career in sales.