PSE/SEF Joint Research Grant Announcement
Official Announcement: 2026 PSE NEF/SEF Joint Research Grant Recipients
February 9th, 2026
The Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) National Educational Foundation, in partnership with the Sales Education Foundation (SEF), is proud to announce the two recipients of the Inaugural PSE/SEF Joint Sales Research Grant Program — a landmark initiative created to advance innovation, elevate sales scholarship, and strengthen the bridge between academic research and professional practice.
After a highly competitive national review process conducted by an independent Selection Committee of distinguished scholars and industry leaders, the following proposals were selected for their exceptional innovation, real-world applicability, and high-impact dissemination potential:
Grant Recipient #1 – H. Grant Williams
Institution: Mitchell College of Business, University of South Alabama
Grant Recipient # 2 – Renu Sharma, Doctoral Student of Marketing
Institution: Bauer College of Business, University of Houston
$5,000 Research Investment in the Future of Sales
Each recipient has been awarded a $5,000 research grant to support cutting-edge data collection, advanced research tools, participant recruitment, and other mission-critical research resources. These projects represent the next generation of thought leadership in professional selling and sales management.
This prestigious grant program reflects the shared commitment of PSE and SEF to fueling high-impact research that shapes classroom learning, strengthens industry practices, and drives the future of the sales profession.
National Visibility & Professional Recognition
In addition to funding support, recipients receive elite exposure and professional recognition opportunities, including:
- Publication Pathway Opportunities
Awardees will demonstrate intent to publish in the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management (JPSSM) or other leading academic journals — placing their work before a global audience of scholars and practitioners.National Conference Spotlight
Recipients will be invited to participate during the National Conference in Sales Management (NCSM) in Norfolk, Virginia, March 25-27, 2026. NCSM is the premier gathering of sales educators, researchers, and industry leaders. - Foundation Recognition & Promotion
Winning projects will be highlighted across PSE and Sales Education Foundation (SEF) communication channels, including websites, newsletters, and professional networks, amplifying reach and institutional visibility. - Executive-Level Impact
Final reports and executive summaries will be positioned to influence both academic discourse and real-world sales leadership practices.
Advancing Sales Education & Research Excellence
As the home of the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management (JPSSM) and a proud supporter of the National Conference in Sales Management, the PSE National Educational Foundation and the Sales Education Foundation (SEF) continue to champion excellence, innovation, and collaboration in sales education.
This inaugural grant cycle marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to empowering researchers whose work pushes boundaries, challenges convention, and delivers actionable insight to the profession.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Grant Recipients!
We extend our sincerest congratulations to both award recipients for earning this highly competitive honor. Your work represents the future of sales research – and we are excited to support your journey as you create knowledge that will inspire educators, practitioners, and students nationwide.
Stay tuned as we follow the progress of these groundbreaking projects and celebrate their impact.
Elevating the Sales Profession Through University Education
