Sanders Professional Sales Center

In December 2015, Indiana University Southeast received a generous $700,000 gift to the School of Business by Judge Carlton and Sue Sanders to create The Judge Carlton and Sue Sanders Professional Sales Center.

The primary goal in creating the Professional Sales Center is to promote selling skill development in the Kentuckiana region. The programs of study have been developed for business majors, those majoring in areas outside of business, and for non-degree seekers who wish to pursue a certificate program.

“The Professional Sales Center and Lab at IU Southeast will be revolutionary in preparing students with real-world skills for in-demand professional sales positions,” IU Southeast Chancellor Ray Wallace said. “This center will help our graduates land jobs sooner and earn more, and it will improve our region’s economy. It is precisely this kind of innovation that sets IU Southeast apart as a leader in business education and this generous gift has made it all possible.”

The Professional Sales Center will house the professional selling major and any for-credit certificates and minors. Additionally, the Professional Sales Center will work with community partners to provide non-credit programming such as sales seminars, training and professional development to the business and non-profit community.

“It’s such a privilege for us to be part of a project that positions IU Southeast as the premier provider of sales education in our region,” Carlton Sanders said. “More important, we know that this center will directly benefit students who will be exceptionally well-prepared for a career in sales. We are going to see a positive impact in our business community for years to come because of this state-of-the-art facility and first-class, elite program.”

The Sanders, both IU Southeast School of Business alumni, have made many significant contributions to Indiana University and IU Southeast over the years. At IU Southeast, the Sanders have supported the Honors Program, the Judge Carlton E. and Sue Sanders Chair in Business and Economics and the Sanders Speaker Series endowment. They have also funded the Judge Carlton and Sue Sanders International Study Scholarship, the Sanders Trading Lab and the Judge Carlton and Sue Sanders Laboratory for Nursing Education.

“We’re so excited to help establish such a unique learning center at the IU Southeast School of Business,” Sue Sanders said. “One of the most critical challenges facing college graduates is the ability to transition and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. The Professional Sales Center will prepare students with the skills necessary to fill the jobs that are in demand right now and equip them for long-term success.”