Over $16,000 raised by Southern Miss Sales Students for Kids Hub CAC During Child Abuse Prevention Month
Tue, 05/19/2026 - 02:05pm | By: Kevin Buckley
Professional Sales program fundraising teams
Students in The University of Southern Mississippi’s Professional Sales Program raised $16,858 for Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center (CAC) during April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month through a service-learning fundraising campaign in the MKT 400 Advanced Professional Selling course. The initiative paired classroom instruction with real-world application, requiring students to conduct outbound prospecting, manage outreach pipelines, and engage donors in support of Kids Hub’s mission to serve children and families affected by abuse.
“This project is designed to go beyond theory,” said Kevin Buckley, professor of practice in Marketing. “Students are learning how to communicate value, build trust, and follow through, while making a meaningful impact in the community.”
Student teams worked throughout the month to develop fundraising strategies, make calls, and track activity using customer relationship management (CRM) tools. The campaign emphasized professional selling skills such as discovery, follow-up, and relationship-building.
The top fundraising teams included:
- Team Aspen - $6,810
Students: Jordan Sullivan, Canden Grantham, Hudson Thomas - Team Elm - $6,556
Students: Will Largen, Mary Ellen Edwards, Krysten Owens
Individually, Jordan Sullivan, a senior entrepreneurship major, led all participants with $4,416 raised, demonstrating exceptional outreach and follow-up discipline.
“This project has been so rewarding because I have been able to put new sales skills into practice to fundraise for an amazing cause that directly pours back into helping our community,” said Sullivan. “It has been special to be a part of a project that pours back into the community that has been so influential in shaping me into who I am as a person!”
The Kids Hub partnership reflects the program’s continued focus on experiential learning, giving students opportunities to apply sales concepts in real-world settings while contributing to meaningful causes.
Director of Donor Relations at Kids Hub CAC, Paige Thames ‘19, remarked on the class’s execution.
“It was incredibly meaningful to return to Southern Miss as an alumna and partner with such dedicated students to support Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center. Their professionalism, passion, and genuine commitment to strengthening their community were truly inspiring. It was especially rewarding to see them gain meaningful, real-world experience while making a lasting difference for the children and families we serve. Experiences like this, where students are both learning and leading impact, are what shape the kind of driven, compassionate leaders our communities need.”
The Professional Sales Program at Southern Miss continues to expand its partnerships with industry and community organizations, preparing students for careers in sales, marketing, and leadership through hands-on learning experiences.
About Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center
Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center supports children across South Mississippi who have allegations of abuse or trauma. They offer one location where kids feel safe and supported—from forensic interviews to mental health care—all delivered by a compassionate team trained in trauma informed care. Visit their website for more details.
About the College of Business and Economic Development The College of Business and Economic Development at The University of Southern Mississippi prepares students for success through applied
learning, leadership development and nationally recognized academic programs. The
AACSB-accredited college offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including an MBA program that has been consistently ranked among leading programs by U.S. News & World Report and Fortune. Experiential learning
is central to the college’s approach. Students gain real-world experience through
client-based projects, internships, and employer engagement, supported by industry
partners and an active alumni network. Located in Scianna Hall, the college provides access to specialized resources including the Center for Entrepreneurship, App Development Lab, Finance Lab, and Professional Sales Lab, where students develop
in-demand skills through hands-on application and national competition.