UTampa's Institute for Sales Excellence has been renamed thanks to a generous donation from Amy and SAE-Florida Chi alumni brother Mike Southard ('82).
The renaming to the "Southard Institute for Sales Excellence" come as the institute moves into its new location, the Grand Center, in the University’s newest building. The Institute is located on the first floor of the Grand Center, equipped with offices, learning spaces, conference room and classrooms. The Southards’ gift encompasses building and student support services, as well as funding of an endowment for multiple student scholarships.
Brother Mike Southard said that he has always thought sales skills are a critical part of any student’s education, even for those not planning to enter the sales field. Southard said. “This center will give all students the opportunity to learn more about professional selling skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives.”
Teresa Dahlberg, President of UTampa, said she appreciates the Southards’ commitment to both student success and student support. “The Southard Institute for Sales Excellence is another example of the kind of education that UTampa is known for — providing innovative, collaborative spaces where we prepare students for success and graduate the skilled professionals that businesses need to prosper.”
Brother Mike Southard is one of the founding fathers of the Florida Chi Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and has been a strong proponent for the return of Florida Chi to UTampa. Brother Southard is one of the Chapters founding fathers, and served as the 2nd Eminent Treasurer of the Chapter as an undergraduate.
In 2019, the rebuilt Riverside Center, was renamed the Southard Family Building in their honor. Mike is currently the vice chair of the University of Tampa Board of Trustees, serves on the executive committee and is chair of the Audit Committee. Back in May of 2024, Southard was honored with the "Esse Quam Videri" Alumni of the Year award. Mike is the founder and CEO of Elvisridge Capital, a private investment firm with five operating companies in Florida, Kentucky and Nevada. They specialize in investments for small to medium-size manufacturing companies.
The goal of the Southard Institute for Sales Excellence, which was established in 2017 as part of the Sykes College of Business, is to prepare students for careers in professional business-to-business sales; encourage networking between student and business; serve as a staffing and learning resource for local, regional, national and global firms.
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