Delta State University junior Aidan Hayes (center) received $500 for winning the Ole Miss Sales Competition. The award was presented Ron Harper (L), owner of Logista Solutions) and Dr. Matthew Shaner, Instructional Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Mississippi.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is proud to announce that Aidan Hayes, a junior majoring in International Business from Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, secured first place in the prestigious Ole Miss Sales Competition held on March 3, at the University of Mississippi in Oxford.
Hayes was among five talented students from Delta State’s College of Business and Aviation who competed in the event. The participating students were:
- Kiersten Bible, freshman in Flight Operations from Batesville
- Aidan Hayes, junior in International Business from Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago
- Sydney Hunter, junior in Entrepreneurship from Moorhead
- Hannah Mowdy, sophomore in Accounting from Union
- Clarence Williams, junior in General Business from Moorhead
The students were accompanied by Delta State faculty members Dr. April E. Mondy, Assistant Professor of Management; Christie Sledge, Instructor in Marketing; and Dr. Zina Taran, Associate Professor of Marketing.
Attending the Ole Miss Sales Competition representing Delta State were: (L to R) Instructor Christie Sledge, Clarence Williams, Kiersten Bible, Aidan Hayes, Sydney Hunter, Dr. Zina Taran, Hannah Mowdy, and Dr. April Mondy.
During the competition, students were tasked with studying a product in advance and delivering a sales pitch to a potential client in a simulated selling environment. The competition featured two rounds, with all students participating in the first round. The top five competitors advanced to the final round, where they vied for monetary prizes awarded to the top three performers.
Hayes advanced to the second round and emerged victorious, impressing the judges with his ability to close a deal—an achievement no other competitor accomplished. His exceptional performance earned him the unanimous approval of the judges and the $500 first-place prize.
“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,” said Hayes. “I want to extend my gratitude to the professors and my fellow participants at Delta State University for their support and guidance in preparing for the second round—this achievement would not have been possible without them.”
The camaraderie and teamwork displayed by the Delta State students were instrumental in Hayes’ success. Bible, Hunter, Mowdy, and Williams collaborated to help him refine his sales pitch for the final round, providing constructive feedback and support.
“Our students demonstrated remarkable teamwork,” said Taran. “They all teamed up to help Aidan fine-tune his pitch for the second round. We were incredibly impressed by their dedication and competence. I was in the room where the judges were deliberating, and their reaction to Aidan’s successful sale was emotional and enthusiastic. He was the only competitor to achieve that objective, which secured his well-deserved first-place finish. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students, and we are definitely planning to do it again.”
Following the competition, the students attended a networking reception, connecting with business professionals and expanding their industry relationships.
Preparation for the event was a collective effort. Dr. Cameron Montgomery, Professor of Marketing, and Sean Bullock, Regional Sales Manager at Quality Steel Corporation, facilitated prep sessions for the students. Taran provided additional coaching, assisting students with their presentation materials and professional appearance. Sledge coordinated prep sessions, while Mondy managed communication and transportation logistics.
Hayes’ victory underscores the strength of Delta State’s business education and the dedication of its faculty in preparing students for success in competitive environments. His win represents not only his individual talent but also the collaborative spirit of his peers and mentors.
For more information on Delta State University’s College of Business and Aviation and its programs, visit deltastate.edu/business-aviation/.
