USD Beacom School of Business Gives Inside Look At Sales Center
In December of 2025, the university announced the launch of its Sales Center and its complementary undergraduate and graduate professional sales certificates, set to begin in the fall of 2026. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that sales skills, from relationship building to strategic communication, are among the most versatile and in-demand skills in today’s economy.
“As the premier business school in the region, we’re always looking to stay abreast of industry needs and implement a curriculum that makes students the best fit for jobs,” said Klaus Beckmann, Ph.D., interim dean of the Beacom School of Business. “It’s part of our mission to develop future business leaders and meet regional business needs to foster growth in South Dakota and the region.”
With this center, the business school aims to advance the profession of sales while promoting ethical practices, innovative approaches and measurable impact—ultimately serving as a hub where students, faculty and corporate partners can come together to shape the future of sales leadership.
Designed to develop sales experts, the Sales Center’s undergraduate and graduate professional sales certificate curriculum will involve rigorous coursework, experiential learning and industry engagement—equipping students with in-demand skills needed for careers in professional selling. Training will span sales methodologies, customer relationship management software and business competencies such as negotiation, communication and strategic relationship management.
The certificates are open to students of all majors and can complement bachelor’s and master’s degrees at USD. They are accessible to individuals seeking career development outside a degree program and are available in Vermillion and Sioux Falls.
For the Sioux Falls delivery option, the business school anticipates offering the certificates in an executive-style format to nontraditional students, providing greater flexibility. The business school has already connected with several businesses that will be sponsoring their employees' participation in the inaugural Sioux Falls cohort. Courses for the fall 2026 semester are set to be hosted in a convenient location for working professionals in downtown Sioux Falls.
While no prerequisites are required for the certificate programs, students must meet admissions criteria to be accepted to the programs.
Beckmann shared that even though the certificates are well suited for students pursuing careers in sales, the programs also carry value across industries.
“The courses emphasize the interpersonal skills that students need across a wide range of professions, while the transferable skills support success in any career and enable students to confidently apply their skills in a variety of industry settings," said Beckmann.
Setting the Stage for Sales
A key component of the Sales Center is hands-on experience. Beyond coursework and skill development, students will gain opportunities to demonstrate their learning outside the classroom through experiences such as the National Collegiate Sales Competition, the International Collegiate Sales Competition and other regional contests.
Furthermore, students will collaborate with other campus organizations and programs—a priority for the Sales Center, which works closely with groups like Coyote Business Consulting and Coyote Capital Management. Additional opportunities for involvement include career mixers, sales-oriented organizations, a professional development series and the South Dakota Sales Team.
Likewise, students will work with faculty and business leaders to apply real-world learning experiences that strengthen their abilities. This effort will be supported by the Sales Center’s planned technology space on USD's campus in Vermillion, where students can refine their skills in an enhanced environment equipped with monitors for practice, real-time feedback and performance evaluation.
“We’re committed to really developing principled sales leaders who excel in building trust, creating value and driving sustainable growth. Through innovative teaching, applied research and strong industry partnerships, we hope to elevate the role of sales as a cornerstone in business leadership,” said Beckmann.
Partners in Sales Success
Relationships with industry partners will play a vital role in the Sales Center as well, with recruiters, corporate sponsors and thought leaders opening pathways to internships, careers, mentorships and more.
“The Sales Center will expose students to industry partners inside and outside of the classroom,” said Beckmann. “Guest speakers will provide industry insights, trainings will be designed for direct engagement within the sales profession and students may receive invitations to exclusive sales events.”
Beckmann also noted that partners will be encouraged to offer guidance and feedback on the business school’s sales courses and key areas of focus within the curriculum. Partners may also choose to support sales labs, competitions, student travel and other collaborative opportunities.
“We believe becoming a partner means investing in the Sales Center, engaging with students and leveraging the relationship for talent recruitment and brand visibility,” said Beckmann. “We are looking forward to partnering with those who are excited about these opportunities and want to contribute to sales education.”
Marsh McLennan Agency is the founding partner for this effort.
“USD already had a strong business school, so the foundation for the Sales Center was already there,” said Karlie Solum, director of community relations at Marsh McLennan Agency Dakotas. “What really stood out was the university's openness to the idea and their willingness to collaborate with industry partners. From the start, it felt like a true partnership—they are excited about building something meaningful for students and for the business community. That kind of alignment made it an easy decision for us.
“The energy around the Sales Center has been really encouraging,” Solum continued. “Students are engaged, asking great questions and are clearly interested in developing real-world skills. USD has also done a great job bringing in other business partners, which was a big part of the vision. This is top talent, and the more partners involved, the stronger that pipeline becomes.”
Selling the Future
In the future, Beckmann hopes the Sales Center will produce alumni who will elevate the reputation of the Sales Center by simply working hard, leading in their chosen careers and advocating for the business school.
“We want to be known for producing exceptional sales professionals,” Beckmann stated. “But we also want to be known for being innovative and deeply connected to the business community. We want to support South Dakota, as well as the business and sales industries, develop future business leaders and be the state’s flagship hub for sales talent—where employers know they’ll find graduates who can contribute on day one.”
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