Stephens College of Business Professional Sales Program Invited to Join Prestigious University Sales Center Alliance

August 17, 2026

The University of Montevallo Professional Sales Program in the Stephens College of Business has been invited to join the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA) as an Associate Member.

USCA will formally recognize the Stephens College for this accomplishment at the USCA fall meeting Sept. 10-12 in Chicago.

The University Sales Center Alliance mission is to provide leadership in education, research and outreach. USCA is comprised of the most esteemed sales programs across the United States and Europe, with UM among less than 100 programs in the alliance. These members are recognized for high standards in their sales centers, as well as developing innovative sales education curriculum that prepares students for a future career in sales.

Dr. Gary Johnson, assistant professor of marketing, serves as the director of the Professional Sales Program and the coach of the Stephens College Sales Team. The team has placed nationally at intercollegiate sales competitions and hosts their own internal sales competition in the spring semester.

“I’m excited the Stephens College has achieved this prestigious recognition by the USCA for the high-quality sales education we offer our students,” Johnson said. “This is a testament to the caliber of our sales program and the talented students on our sales team and in the classroom.”

To support the USCA membership, Dr. Johnson, and Stephens College of Business Dean Dr. Sara Robicheaux, launched a new sales advisory council comprised of alumni and sales industry leaders who will support the sales program with networking, classroom experiential learning, and job placement opportunities.

“This USCA Associate Membership is a milestone moment for the Stephens College of Business,” Robicheaux said. “Coming on the heels of our recent AACSB accreditation renewal, it reflects the momentum and quality across every program we offer — and validates the vision Dr. Johnson has brought to our Professional Sales Program. As we build out our sales advisory council and deepen our industry partnerships, we’re positioning Stephens College graduates to compete at the highest levels of the sales profession while gaining invaluable experience alongside top industry talent.”

The Stephens College of Business is among the five percent of business schools accredited by AACSB across the world and features the Grainger Center for Professional Development, which assists students with internships, networking and career readiness.