RLS Logistics gift to fund Certificate of Undergraduate Study in professional sales

RLS Logistics of Glassboro has pledged $125,000 to Rowan University to fund a new Certificate of Undergraduate Study in professional sales, within the Rohrer College of Business (RCB). A national company with local roots, RLS Logistics is building its new headquarters on West High Street.

The certificate in professional sales will provide students with a base of knowledge in personal selling, sales force management, business-to-business marketing, persuasion and social influence, interpersonal communication and nonverbal communication.

“We feel that with proper education, coupled with real life experiences, we can prepare students to be successful after graduation,” said John Gaudet, chief commercial officer of RLS Logistics. “Sales skills are transferable and can be applied in almost any industry. Our intent is to grow the sales certificate program with other sponsored companies in a wide range of industries to offer students a more diverse career path.”

The motivation behind this gift was to bring together innovative programming and professional development opportunities to position students for success.

“We currently do not have a specialty in professional sales in any of our programs,” said RCB Interim Dean Morris Kalliny. “Given that there are many excellent sales jobs in the market, this is a needed area that will close the gap between the market demand and the College offerings.”

“Sales is imperative to an organization's growth,” said Gaudet. “Sales is also used in our everyday lives whether we are conscious about it or not.  We are selling ourselves to future employers, we negotiate daily with our children and significant others. There are so many instances in our daily lives where sales skills can help outcomes. Sales is a set of skills, but it’s not often directly taught.”

The company's commitment comes at a pivotal time as it prepares to establish its new headquarters in Glassboro, further cementing its ties to the community.

RLS Logistics anticipates the relocation of approximately 35 team members across various departments to its new, modern office space. Gaudet believes the close proximity to downtown and the University will have a positive impact on the local economy.

The establishment of this certificate also promises growth opportunities within the College.

“We hope to build additional collaboration with partners like RLS to expand this program through activities such as sales competitions, internships, even a sales center,” Kalliny said.