This semester has been busy for the Chambers College Marketing Department. From sales competitions to a fun social media challenge, students have won big. 

Students have placed at three different sales competitions and have participated in a TikTok challenge to engage with faculty and take home a fun price. 

In February, our marketing students competed in the University of Toledo Invitational Sales Competition (UTISC). 

The UTISC is the nation's first and only national sales competition dedicated to non-seniors. Plus, it allows over 300 people from more than 50 organizations, from more than 20 states, to connect and develop strong sales skills and networks.

Marisa McCoy, junior marketing student, competed in the Junior Division of the competition and placed second overall and Aidan Priest, freshman marketing and finance student, represented us in the Freshman-Sophomore Division and won best quote for the Social Media Competition.

“Not only was I able to earn runner-up in the junior division, but I was also able to connect with top sales employers and network with other sales student's who will without a doubt be my colleagues one day,” said McCoy.

Other top sales schools in attendance included the University of Dayton, Florida State University and Baylor University. 

The next sales competition was the Old Dominion University Sales Slam, which was held in early March. 

A total of six universities competed in the event: WVU and Old Dominion, as well as Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Kansas State, and University of Northern Iowa. 

West Virginia University was well represented by the following business students: Campbell Gibbs, Blaine Scott, Zerinee Depina and Mitchell Sinicropi. 

Mitchell Sinicropi, a senior marketing student, earned first place in the competition and took home the $1,000 grand prize. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to compete in this event and to connect with top sales employers,” said Sinicropi. "A special thanks to my coach, Professor Bal, for helping me prepare for the competition. I am very proud to represent the Mountaineers.”

The third, and most recent, sales competition that took place was the Robert Morris University's Center for Sales Excellence Annual Sales Competition, sponsored by PITT OHIO. 

Along with WVU, there were four other schools who competed: Robert Morris, University of Dayton, Slippery Rock and Old Dominion.

Juniors Luke Weir and Grace Coyle finished in second and third place. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity and very proud to represent the sales program,” said Weir. “I would also like to thank Dr. Walsh and all of my other professors for preparing me for the competition.” 

The marketing department now has three successful competitions behind them, but they are not stopping there. 

With many students being off-campus, the department came up with a new way to engage with students – a TikTok challenge. 

Dr. Jody Crosno, marketing professor, created the TikTok challenge, titled “Show us your Best Shot,” which was open to all WVU students and similar to one they created in the fall.

This challenge runs through March 30 and the winner (determined by number of likes) will receive a Coach Huggins autographed basketball. 

Faculty also participated in the challenge so that students were able to see them outside of the classroom. 

Dr. Emily Tanner, assistant professor of marketing, posted a video earlier this month, which highlights her attempt to get a best shot on the iconic stairs by the Chambers College building. Her video can be found here.

“We view this engagement effort as a win-win for our department, as we connect with students outside of the classroom and, by participating in the challenges, the students become more familiar with one of the fastest-growing social media platforms,” said Tanner. 

You can see some of the other videos by visiting the hashtag #wvubballchallenge on TikTok.

"I never imagined I would become a TikTok sensation...15 likes makes it viral, no?,” said Tanner. "I am glad the world got to see my trick shot skills and participating in the challenge was a great experience.” 

The Chambers College Marketing department and its students have already had a successful year and we cannot wait to see what is to come. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Bal, David Brauer and Emily Tanner who helped prepare our students. 

Both WVU and non-WVU students who are interested in learning more about our next sales competition should contact Emily Tanner at emily.tanner@mail.wvu.edu.