Associate Marketing Professor Makes Mark with USCA

By Lindsay Anderson ‘04

Associate Professor of Marketing and Director of the Professional Sales Program, Dr. Mark Johlke, recently finished his term as president of the University Sales Center Alliance.

A consortium of sales centers established in 2002, USCA connects university faculty members of different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Together, these educators advocate for the continuing advancement of the sales profession through teaching, research, and outreach.

Johlke was first vice president for two years, and then president for another two years.

"A highlight of my presidency was the opportunity to lead this organization that is continuously working towards improving sales education across the nation," Johlke remarked.

The USCA is comprised of accredited and dedicated university-based sales training and education programs and spans across the country, and even features a chapter internationally in Germany. Presently there are 23 full members and 14 associate members working towards full memberships.

Marketing faculty note that Johlke has also taken that leadership and brought the Professional Sales Program at Bradley University to new heights.

“Mark provides students with a rich learning experience full of experiential learning opportunities that include live roleplays and sales calls, not just tests and not just textbook examples,” Marketing Instructor Brad Eskridge said. “That leadership not only delivers a great experience to students here at Bradley, but also was personified in his role as President with the USCA.”

Bradley University’s professional selling program presently has a 100 percent career outcomes rate.

“There is a continued high demand for our professional selling graduates,” Johlke said. “Companies in Chicago and nationwide recognize the great experience that students get here at Bradley.”