KSU sales program earns accreditation
The sales program at the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University has been accepted…
Georgia (May 19, 2004) — KSU sales program earns accreditation
Terri Thornton
Abstract
Contact: Terri Thornton‚ 404−932−4347 or territhornton@mindspring.com
The sales program at the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University has
been accepted for accreditation by the Professional Society for Sales & Marketing
Training (SMT). SMT is a non−profit organization dedicated to improving sales performance.
“This accreditation shows that we are meeting high standards for the quality of instruction‚”
says David Shepherd‚ Director of KSU’s Center for Professional Selling. “It helps
employers know that our students have gone through the most rigorous academic training
possible.”
The Coles College is one of only a few institutions that offers a degree in professional
sales. Its resources include the Center for Professional Selling‚ which is a state−of−the−art
training lab where students can learn by being videotaped as they make sales calls.
The center is also the home of the National Collegiate Sales Competition‚ also known
as the “World Series” of sales. SMT representatives visited the sales center during
the accreditation site visit and interview process. The accreditation will be formally
bestowed this fall at the SMT conference in Boca Raton‚ Florida.
SMT accreditation is a prerequisite for involvement in a new group dedicated to setting
standards for sales education programs. The University Sales Center Alliance is a
new group created for universities with sales programs. The Coles College helped form
the organization three years ago‚ and felt that accreditation by SMT should be a requirement
to join. The alliance meets twice a year‚ and membership is based on standards including
class size and the number of dedicated faculty.
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Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive‚ residential institution with a growing
student population exceeding 17‚400 from 129 countries. The third largest state university
out of 34 institutions in the University System of Georgia‚ KSU offers more than 55
undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its approximately 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status, and one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
