Pierpont’s Passion for Education: Leaders in the Classroom

Pierpont has long understood the importance of learning and development—so much so that Pierpont’s leaders share their knowledge through teaching at colleges and universities in their communities. 

Read below to see how Pierpont CEO Phil Morabito, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy Chris Ferris, Executive Counsel Terry Hemeyer, and Account Executive Uniqua Williams channel their passion for education with students across Texas.  

Phil Morabito 

For the 37th year, Phil Morabito is teaching Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Houston. The course is offered to graduate students in the business school and explores the uses of integrated communication marketing. Phil designed the course to highlight the importance of public relations, advertising, and marketing strategy and tactics to business students.  

Phil’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. His popular Real Life Nights bring industry professionals to speak directly to students, offering firsthand insights into various fields. He advises his students to “never stop learning and to keep trying to expand their knowledge.” 

Chris Ferris  

Since 2018, Chris Ferris has been teaching Digital Marketing to MBA students at Rice Business. While the core topics—SEO, websites, social media, paid digital advertising, email marketing, and analytics—remain the same, the digital landscape evolves rapidly. 

“Last year, I wasn’t talking about AI optimization,” Chris explains. “And I was just starting to explore AI-powered content creation. This year, AI is woven into nearly every aspect of digital marketing, and I’m constantly analyzing how the landscape is changing.” 

That’s what he loves about digital marketing is how quickly things evolve. “I love learning new things,” Chris says. “And if you want to be an effective digital marketer, you have to embrace the need to keep learning and growing.” 

Terry Hemeyer 

As Executive Counsel, Terry Hemeyer brings decades of experience to his roles as a faculty member at both the University of Texas Moody College of Communication and Rice Business. Hemeyer teaches multiple classes as a guest lecturer and uses his vast experience to cover topics like diversity and ageism, crisis management, and public relations. He also covers earning a seat at the table (how to have a trusted, credible voice and be listened to) and uses this knowledge to serve on the UT College advisory committee.  

Uniqua Williams 

Uniqua Williams is entering her fourth year of teaching at her alma mater, the University of Houston. This spring, she is leading courses in Strategic Communications Writing and Applications of Strategic Communications. 

Williams isn’t just teaching but shaping future professionals through overseeing the student-run PR agency, Valenti Integrated. Students work with clients in sports, health, mental health, and non-profits to gain real work experience while still being in college. Uniqua has a passion for shaping the future generation of public relations professionals by creating well-rounded students ready for the working world.  

Summary 

Supporting education is one of Pierpont Communications’ core principles, and over the years our commitment to this has only grown. In addition to our employees teaching at institutions like Rice Business, The University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Houston, we also offer an online externship program, where Pierpont experts teach participants specialized skills in communications and marketing. Pierpont also offers internships to college students and recent graduates.  

In 2015, Pierpont also started the Pierpont Endowment at The University of Texas at Austin, which focuses on helping a 5-year faculty research on communication issues affecting businesses. Finally, Pierpont also provides philanthropic support to student organizations and professional associations. 

Read more about Pierpont’s commitment to education, as well as our internship and externship programs.