John “Art” Phillips
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has announced that its sales institute in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business will be named the John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute, honoring the late entrepreneur, extraordinary salesman and business leader.
Guided by his motto, “Let’s Double It,” John Arthur Phillips Sr. helped a small local bakery—now McKee Foods—grow into a regional, then national marketer of snack food and home of Little Debbie®, America’s No. 1 snack cake brand.
“Dad was a genuine people person. He greeted everyone with a twinkle in his eye and a friendly smile, framed by the ever-present bow tie that became his calling card,” stated John Phillips Jr. “Love of his company, its people and products fueled his selling passion and inspired many others to achieve sales success. ‘Let’s Double It’ was more than a sales goal. It was a way of life.”
The institute’s naming was made possible through a generous gift from the Phillips family.
The transformational gift will expand opportunities for UTC students by:
- Providing scholarships for students with financial need.
- Funding student and faculty participation in national sales competitions, conferences and workshops
- Positioning UTC as a leader in sales education with a dedicated Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Sales
- Enhancing sales simulation labs and advanced learning technology
- Supporting the growth and professional development of sales faculty and staff
“Naming UTC’s sales institute in dad’s memory is our family’s way of honoring his legacy and enabling future students the opportunity to access a quality education in the field of professional selling,” stated Phillips Jr., representing the family.
Launched in 2022, the institute prepares students to become ethical and adaptable leaders in one of the world’s most in-demand professions. It is recognized nationally as a Top Sales Program by the Sales Education Foundation and is an accredited associate member of the University Sales Center Alliance. The institute combines classroom learning with real-world experience through immersive simulations, national competitions and strong partnerships with leading companies.
“This is a deeply meaningful investment in our students, but it is also a tribute to a remarkable gentleman,” said Dr. Lori Bruce, chancellor of UTC. “Mr. Phillips embodied the very best qualities of sales and sales leadership, and through this naming, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of sales leaders at UTC.”
With the Rollins College of Business expansion, the John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute will more than double its space and feature additional simulation labs, student study areas and a Sales Alumni Wall of Fame.
“This gift has paved the way for the future of professional sales education at UTC,” said Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Rollins College of Business. “Because of the Phillips family’s generosity, we are now positioned to transform the sales institute into a stand-alone Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree in professional sales, one of the first of its kind in the region. The gift will also support the development of a new professional sales curriculum, allowing us to reach even more students.”
“Mr. Phillips showed what is possible with vision and determination,” said Dr. Christopher R. Plouffe, executive director and Gary W. Rollins Endowed Chair in Sales. “Naming the institute in his honor ensures that his values and example will live on, shaping students for decades to come.”
To learn more about the John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute, click here.
John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute students (from left) Giorgianna Cardillo, Pare Chalamaneeporn, Misti Kilby and Smythe Kuebler
# # # # #
About the Gary W. Rollins College of Business: With approximately 2,600 students across 10 undergraduate programs, four graduate degree programs and seven minors, the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga provides innovative educational programs that develop academically prepared and business-world-ready professionals. Accredited by AACSB International since 1982, the college strives to be a national model of excellence in business education. For more information, visit www.utc.edu/rollins.
About UTC Division of Advancement: The mission of the Division of Advancement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is to build meaningful connections for all Mocs and inspire generosity for Chattanooga’s University. By fostering relationships and investment, UTC Advancement strategically brings together alumni, donors and friends of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the collective betterment of our campus and city.
