Long before HSA became a school for all things advertising and marketing, it was one class—Matt’s Portfolio Class (MPC). Director Matt Walsh was back in Houston after working at Euro RSCG in Chicago, when he spoke to a group of university students about his experience in the ad business. He was shocked to discover that many of the students, especially the would-be creatives, knew little of what it really took to land a gig in the business. His inner teacher kicked back in (Walsh taught High School for several years in Italy and Houston) and he decided to start a class. Matt notes, “A few of the students asked if I could look at their work, and some even asked if I could give them assignments. That’s when it hit me.” The first Matt’s Portfolio Class filled up quickly and was a success. Most of the students on that maiden voyage have found homes in agencies around Houston and beyond.

Then Matt met Chris Hungate while working at Idea Digital. Upon finding out what Matt was up to and upon seeing how much help Matt needed when it came to his online presence (the website sucked), Chris took Matt to lunch and told him he wanted to help. Chris rebuilt the website and MPC added another class to it’s lineup—a design class taught by Hungate.

As Chris and Matt spent more time teaching and talking about the school, it became clear that more training was needed for students who didn’t want to follow a creative path. “Matt’s Portfolio Class didn’t fit anymore,” Chris noted, “so we rebranded. Besides, it didn’t sound too hot on a resume.” Hungate worked his magic and designed the current award-winning logo, the new site and the new branding materials. A third class, “The Account Side” was added, then a fourth class, “Social Media & Digital Strategy” rounded out the class offerings.

Now in its third year, the Houston School of Advertising has something for everyone. Classes are held in two sessions each year, in the Fall and Spring. And there are over a hundred former students out there who are much better at what they do because they took classes at HSA.