College of Business and Economics

Dr. Jimmy Peltier Honored as Inaugural Recipient of University Sales Center Alliance (USCA) Lifetime Achievement Award, Celebrating Global Excellence in Sales Education

November 26, 2024

Written by Gracie Weston | Photos courtesy of Gracie Weston and submitted

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics proudly congratulates Dr. James (Jimmy) Peltier on being named the first-ever recipient of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA) Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Peltier’s enduring contributions to sales education and the global impact of UW-Whitewater’s sales program.

Since launching the UW-Whitewater Institute for Sales Excellence in 2012, Dr. Peltier has propelled it to national prominence, solidifying its reputation as both an academic institution and a powerhouse in sales competition. His leadership and vision have not only elevated the Institute but have also helped prepare future generations of sales professionals for success in an ever-evolving field.

Dr. Peltier’s influence extends beyond Whitewater. He is one of only three University of Wisconsin-Whitewater faculty whose work has earned 10,000+ Google citations. Researchers earn a citation with Google with each instance of their work being used in another researcher’s experiments. Dr. Peltier has more than 10,000 of these.

He has also served as Past-President of the University Sales Center Alliance and the American Marketing Association (AMA) Collegiate Chapters Council (twice), leaving an indelible mark on both organizations. He has also received the AMA Lifetime Achievement Award and is the only individual to earn all three of UW-Whitewater's top awards: the W.P. Roseman Excellence in Teaching Award, the University Research Award, and the University Service Award, each representing a lifetime of excellence in its respective area.

The University Sales Center Alliance (USCA) Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor individuals from USCA member schools who have made a significant and long-lasting impact on the USCA, member institutions, their students, and the broader sales academia and profession. Dr. Peltier’s recognition is a testament to his extraordinary contributions and leadership in these areas. The USCA praised Dr. Peltier’s impact, stating, “If there was a Mt. Rushmore of Sales Education, he’s definitely on it.”

“This award is so meaningful because the criteria include the quality of the sales program,” said Dr. Peltier. “Although I have received other Lifetime Achievement Awards, this one truly highlights how our program is seen around the world.”

“We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. James (Jimmy) Peltier on receiving the first-ever University Sales Center Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition honors his visionary leadership, groundbreaking contributions to sales education, and the global influence of the UW-Whitewater Institute for Sales Excellence. Dr. Peltier’s dedication has inspired generations of students and elevated our college’s reputation worldwide,” said Paul Ambrose, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at UW-Whitewater.

In a letter of recommendation to the USCA Lifetime Award Selection Committee, colleagues Pavan Chennamaneni and Dan Herlache wrote, “We have had the pleasure of working with Jimmy for the last 15 years in various capacities. His strategic initiatives have consistently resulted in immediate and measurable improvements across our programs. His tireless commitment to student success and innovative leadership style have inspired not only our department but also the entire college. We are truly grateful for his mentorship and guidance, and we are excited to see him recognized for his incredible contributions to the field of sales education.”

Emily Vorpahl, a former UW-Whitewater AMA President and Sales Team competitor, expressed her admiration, stating, “Jimmy was an extraordinary mentor, leader, and advisor. His mentorship demonstrates the power of positively influencing others and has raised the bar for academic leadership.” She added, “Jimmy is not only highly deserving of the USCA Lifetime Achievement Award but also embodies the core values of leadership, dedication, and mentorship that this honor represents.”

Professor Dr. Alexander Haas, Chaired Professor of Marketing and Sales Management and Director of the Center for Sales Research at Justus Liebig University Giessen, commented, “I cannot think of a person deserving this award more than Jimmy. His transformative leadership has inspired generations of students and facilitated valuable intercultural experiences. Jimmy’s passion and effectiveness in sales education have raised the bar for all of us, and I am grateful for the impact he has had on our program and beyond.”

The College of Business and Economics celebrates Dr. Peltier’s outstanding accomplishments and expresses gratitude for his leadership and dedication to enhancing sales education on a global scale.

Learn more about USCA here: https://universitysales.org/

About Dr. Jimmy Peltier:

Dr. Peltier received his Ph.D. in Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has over 35 years of business experience as a consultant, Research Director in an Advertising Agency, and as President of a marketing consulting firm. Dr. Peltier's sales expertise lies in developing buyer-seller relationships, understanding students’ intent to pursue a sales career, database requirements for the sales force, and successful relationship marketing practices. Dr. Peltier has been faculty advisor for UW-Whitewater's AMA chapter since 1986 and has directed the UWW Chapter to 19 International Chapter of the Year Awards, including 12 years in a row from 2011-2021. With a prolific research career spanning over three decades, Dr. Peltier's work has earned him over 10,000 citations on Google Scholar. His research areas include digital

marketing, healthcare, and marketing education, and he is known for his unwavering commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing the field.

More about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE):

Wisconsin’s largest business college, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, is home to the #1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools. The College of Business and Economics offers a rich breadth of co-curricular activities to enhance student development and learning outcomes. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools, earning both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

 

A large group of adults and children stand together in front of a wall partially covered by lush greenery.

Above: Jimmy Peltier receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA.)