In 2003, with a generous donation from Northwestern Mutual, Nicholls' state-of-the-art and interactive sales lab was built.  Later that fall, the first Bayou Sales Challenge was held.  In 2005, the competition was cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina, which made 2006 quite productive with a competition each semester.  In 2012, the decision was made to move the competition to the spring semester, and in 2020 the competition was cancelled due to an unforeseen circumstance.  Now we are in the 18th year and ready to compete face to face again!

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Four major components must be in alignment for sales programs at Nicholls and competitions like the Bayou Sales Challenge to happen.  First, there has to be a shared interest in valuing sales programs at the collegiate level.  Second, the support of generous sponsors, who also volunteer their time to help with role-playing and judging, enable the annual competition (and beyond).  Third, students and the region require trained salespeople, and Nicholls is proud to offer a degree in professional sales derived from this demand.  And, fourth, academic institutions must support sales education with dedicated faculty who invest time and wisdom, tirelessly, to teach, coach, and mentor sales students.  Sales programs, like that of Nicholls, is how we create an #impact.