August 25, 2025
Twilley Academy of Sales names new interim director
East Carolina University’s College of Business has appointed Dr. Michael Rodriguez, Twilley Academy of Sales leadership fellow and assistant professor of marketing, as interim director of the Twilley Academy of Sales Leadership.
“There’s a great deal of momentum in the Twilley Academy, particularly in the strategic areas of student success and regional transformation,” said Dr. Michael Harris, dean of the College of Business. “I want to thank John Chapman for building the strong foundation for this work. We’re now excited to have Dr. Michael Rodriguez move into the role of interim director. He’s ready to push us forward toward our goal of creating a national model.”
Rodriguez is a nationally recognized expert in sales performance, customer engagement and the integration of technology into the sales process. With more than two decades of experience in sales leadership, consulting and training, he has worked with global organizations to improve results through sales enablement, digital transformation and strategic use of artificial intelligence. At ECU, he has designed a forward-looking curriculum that prepares students to succeed in a profession that is being reshaped by technology, while also partnering with companies on tailored training and consulting engagements.
“I am honored to lead the academy during a time when technology is redefining how sales teams connect with customers and drive growth,” Rodriguez said. “My priority will be to strengthen our partnerships with the business community and create new ways for companies to engage with us whether that is through executive training, consulting on sales strategy and AI adoption, or tapping into the exceptional talent we have at ECU. When students and industry work side by side, both leave better prepared for the future.”
Rodriguez succeeds Chapman, who founded the academy in 2021 and established it as a hub for sales education, corporate collaboration and student career development. Under Chapman’s leadership, the academy developed industry-backed programs, launched innovative sales competitions, secured advanced training resources and connected students with employers across multiple sectors. Chapman will remain in the College of Business as a teaching instructor, continuing to mentor students and share his expertise in sales strategy and relationship management.