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Sales Certificates Awarded to 28 Students

Sales Certificates Awarded to 28 Students
Ravi Sohi and Interim Dean Kathy Farrell address the certificate recipients before lunch.
Business students earning certificates in professional selling through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration Certificate Program in Sales Excellence gathered at Misty’s Restaurant in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, to be recognized for their accomplishment and enjoy lunch. In all, 28 students received certificates, including 11 who became the first group to earn advanced certificates in professional selling.

Dr. Ravi Sohi, professor and Robert D. Hays Distinguished Chair of Sales Excellence, welcomed the students and praised their efforts. He noted the program has grown faster than originally expected when it launched in the spring of 2014.

“Initially we planned on selecting 25 students per semester, but we received so many good applications we decided to accommodate everyone we believed could succeed,” said Sohi. “We’re getting applications from students who hear from friends this is a really cool program. They learn when you go on the job market and have that sales certificate on your résumé it increases your value in the marketplace.”

About 150 students either currently participate in the program or have already earned their sales certificate. Sohi thanked Mike Hayes, CEO of NRC Health, for assistance with getting the program started and continuing active involvement with students.

Ravi Sohi reads student names as they receive their certificates.
Ravi Sohi reads student names as they receive their certificates.
“We received feedback from many companies that the marketplace demanded more sales students. Five years ago Mike and I discussed how we could collaborate to create an environment to encourage students to pursue a sales education. With Mike’s background in sales, he was very supportive in putting together our program, and along with NRC Health, they play a key role working with students and visiting our classes,” said Sohi.

Evan Ramsey, a senior marketing and supply chain management major from Omaha, Nebraska, received his sales certificate at the luncheon. He believes his sales classes have been vital to preparing him for life after college.

“The teachers are personable and knowledgeable, and if there was a concept I didn’t understand or needed more insight, I knew exactly where to turn,” said Ramsey. “I would recommend the sales program to anyone, because the things I learned I’ll use throughout the rest of my life, no matter what field of work I choose.”

Dr. Kathy Farrell, interim dean, congratulated the students for their forward thinking. She believes the differentiation of earning a sales certificate gives them an advantage.

“One thing we stress at the College of Business is the importance of networking,” said Farrell. “This certificate program teaches those skills and you’ll be surprised how it pays benefits in the future. Your relationships with the faculty are important to maintain and nurture, and Ravi and the other sales faculty can help you in your future careers.”

To learn more about the Certificate Program in Sales Excellence, visit: http://cba.unl.edu/academic-programs/programs-and-degrees/sales-center/.

Students earning certificates in professional selling gathered at Misty's in downtown Lincoln.
Students earning certificates in professional selling gathered at Misty's in downtown Lincoln.
Students Receiving Certificates in Professional Selling

First Last Major Hometown Type
Cory Adamson Marketing Hickman, Nebraska Advanced
Andrew Christensen Marketing East Peoria, Illinois Advanced
Austin Evans Marketing Omaha, Nebraska Advanced
Paul Fayman Marketing Omaha, Nebraska Advanced
Nathaniel Fischer Marketing Bellevue, Nebraska Advanced
Spencer Kenkel Marketing Elkhorn, Nebraska Advanced
Ryan Lamb Management and Marketing Papillion, Nebraska Advanced
Michael Martin Marketing Rockford, Illinois Advanced
Kathleen O'Toole Marketing Wilber, Nebraska Advanced
Ryan Shoemaker Management Lincoln, Nebraska Advanced
Cole Weers Management and Marketing Diller, Nebraska Advanced
Paxton Bentzinger Accounting Olathe, Kansas Regular
Nicholas Brouillette Marketing Hastings, Nebraska Regular
Joseph Gomez International Business Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Brett Jones Management and Marketing Bellevue, Nebraska Regular
Sarah Lindstrand Marketing Lakeville, Minnesota Regular
Colton Maag Marketing Lincoln, Nebraska Regular
Mitchell May Finance Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Jack Moylan Supply Chain Management Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Thomas Myers Marketing Lincoln, Nebraska Regular
Joshua Nelson Marketing Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Patrick O'Neill Finance Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Audrey Pawol Accounting Blair, Nebraska Regular
Evan Ramsey Supply Chain Management and Marketing Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Robert Seibel Economics and Marketing Loveland, Ohio Regular
Jackson Setter Accounting Paola, Kansas Regular
Austin Underwood Marketing Lincoln, Nebraska Regular
Trevor Willenborg International Business and Marketing Omaha, Nebraska Regular
Published: April 19, 2017