Established in 2002, the Center for Professional Sales was created to enhance the sales concentration within the Department of Marketing at the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University. The Center supports a dynamic curriculum that blends academic theory with experiential, action-based learning—providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the sales process.
Letter from the Director
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Center for Professional Sales at Texas State University. As the Director, I am honored to lead an award-winning center that is nationally recognized for developing career-ready sales professionals, advancing impactful research, and fostering meaningful partnerships between academia and industry.
Since our founding in 2002, we have remained committed to excellence in sales education, hands-on learning, and student success. Our curriculum is designed to combine cutting-edge theory with real-world application, preparing students not only to enter the workforce but to thrive and lead. Through strategic corporate partnerships with leading organizations, national and international sales competitions, and innovative initiatives like our Sales Ambassadors and Student Success Series, we offer our students unparalleled opportunities for growth and achievement.
Equally important is the vibrant community we have built—one that includes our dedicated faculty, engaged alumni, supportive industry partners, and most of all, our outstanding students. Whether you are a prospective student exploring the concentration, a corporate partner looking to connect with emerging talent, or an alumnus eager to give back, you play a vital role in our mission.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. I invite you to stay connected, get involved, and help us continue shaping the future of professional selling—together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Alkire
Vicki L. West Excellence Endowed Professor
Director, Center for Professional Sales
Texas State University
linda.alkire@txstate.edu
Our Mission
Our mission is clear. The Center for Professional Sales wants to be one of the world's leading professional sales programs focused on sales education, research and industry collaboration. We are committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by fostering meaningful collaboration between students, faculty, and corporate partners. We provide companies with direct engagement opportunities, helping them connect with highly trained sales talent, gain access to exclusive research insights, and stay ahead of sales trends through data-driven strategies.
Accredited by the University Sales Center Alliance
The Center for Professional Sales at Texas State is a proud member of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA), the heart of sales education and research in academia. Since 2002, the USCA has brought together faculty with diverse experience to shape the future of sales education.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty
Dr. Linda Alkire
Director Associate Professor of Marketing
McCoy College of Business
512.245.7428
linda.alkire@txstate.edu
Dr. Vishag A Badrinarayanan
Professor of Marketing
McCoy College of Business
512.245.6877
vb16@txstate.edu
Dr. Derrek Schartz
Assistant Director Assistant Professor of Instruction
McCoy College of Business
512.245.7428
derrek.schartz@txstate.edu
Mr. Juan Holguin Jr.
Assistant Professor of Instruction
McCoy College of Business
512.245.7428
ipx17@txstate.edu
Dr. Aditya Gupta
Associate Professor of Marketing
McCoy College of Business
512.245.7454
a_g1581@txstate.edu
Staff
Connect with Us
Corporate Partnerships: Interested in becoming a corporate partner or learning more about how your organization can engage with our students and programs? Please contact Dr. Linda Alkire, Director.
Sales Concentration, internships, and competitions: If you are a student interested in declaring the Professional Sales concentration, exploring sales internship/placement opportunities, or participating in sales competitions, please contact Dr. Derrek Schartz, Assistant Director.
For all other inquiries: Please email us at SalesCenter@txstate.edu.
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