Deirdre Jones named director of Schmidt School of Professional Sales

Deirdre Jones, M.B.A., who served as associate director of the Edward H Schmidt School of Professional Sales in The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation, was named director of the School in July.

"I look forward to all the opportunities and challenges that will demonstrate our commitment to developing the world’s future sales professionals…one student at a time," Jones said. "I am confident that we will continue to set the bar high in terms of learning, discovery, and outreach."

The Schmidt School's previous director Ellen Pullins, Ph.D., who was awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and research at Hagaa Helia University in Finland during the 2014-2015 academic year, stepped down from the director position to pursue a sabbatical and the Fulbright opportunity. Pullins remains the Schmidt Research Professor of Sales and Sales Management, where she will continue with oversight for the curriculum and School’s academic research efforts. She also continues as a professor in UT COBI's department of marketing and international business.

"I am confident that the Schmidt School will continue to excel and enhance its national reputation for excellence under Deirdre's leadership," Pullins said.

"Everyone plays a critical role to ensure the sustainability and success of our top ranked program," Jones observed. "We have accomplished a great deal by launching and propelling our professional sales program. As such, we owe a considerable amount of gratitude to the vision, dedication and leadership displayed by the program's previous directors, Dave Reid, Richard Buehrer and Ellen."

Jones added that there are a number of exciting projects on the horizon for the Sales School, including growing the School's annual local sales competition into a national competition beginning February, 2016; expanding the ESSPS dedicated scholarship program, which just awarded its first scholarships this year; launching a student ambassador program; and establishing additional endowments.

Founded in 2000, the Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales (ESSPS) is committed to providing high-quality educational programs to enhance the world of business practices related to professional sales and to continue to be a recognized leader in sales learning, discovery, and engagement. UT COBI is one of just two business colleges in the country to have three undergraduate designations and a MBA concentration devoted to professional sales.