CLEVELAND, Miss. – Delta State University is celebrating the success of Aidan Hayes, a junior majoring in International Business, who took first place in the prestigious Ole Miss Sales Competition on March 3 at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Hayes, from Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, was one of five students from Delta State’s College of Business and Aviation to participate in the event, showcasing the university’s commitment to developing competitive business talent.
In the competition, students were tasked with studying a product and delivering a sales pitch in a simulated client meeting. After advancing to the second round, Hayes stood out as the only competitor to successfully close a deal, earning him unanimous approval from the judges and the $500 first-place prize.
Hayes expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, “Competing in the Ole Miss Sales Competition was a fantastic experience that truly challenged me to think on my feet and learn how to close deals. Thankfully, I was able to do both and secure the win.”
The event also highlighted the strong teamwork among Delta State’s participants, as classmates Kiersten Bible, Sydney Hunter, Hannah Mowdy, and Clarence Williams worked together to help Hayes fine-tune his sales pitch. This collaborative spirit played a significant role in Hayes’ success, with faculty and fellow students providing key support throughout the preparation and competition.
Dr. Zina Taran, Associate Professor of Marketing at Delta State, praised the students’ teamwork and Hayes’ performance. “We were incredibly impressed by their dedication and competence,” Taran said. “Aidan’s success was a collective achievement, and it’s a testament to both his individual talent and the support system at Delta State.”
The competition also served as an excellent networking opportunity, with students connecting with business professionals at a reception following the event. Preparation for the competition was a team effort, involving guidance from faculty members like Dr. Cameron Montgomery, Professor of Marketing, and Sean Bullock, Regional Sales Manager at Quality Steel Corporation, who helped students prepare for the event.
Hayes’ victory highlights the high level of business education at Delta State University and underscores the role of teamwork and mentorship in fostering student success. The university is already planning future participation in similar competitions, building on this year’s achievements.
