Heelprint History
Then, Now, and Next ...
The vision for Heelprint Communications was realized through a generous donation from UNC and School of Journalism and Media alums Jamie Jacobson and Charlie Adams of Greenville, North Carolina, which established the Adams-Jacobson Endowment fund in 2008. They endeavored to launch a student-run advertising and public relations agency that provided educational and business experiences for students – and also produced quality campaign and marketing collateral materials for real-world clients.
Heelprint officially launched in 2009 and drew from existing student organizations, emerging into an independent agency, boosted by UNC-CH’s in-house chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Ad Club. In its inaugural semester, Heelprint Communications represented four clients (York House Press, Aasha, Blinkness, and Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness). Since then, Heelprint has operated continuously, expanding its portfolio and taking on a growing list of nonprofit and for-profit projects, serving local, regional, and national clients – including the U.S. Department of State.
Heelprint 542 represents the next iteration of growth and donor support, leveraging a student-powered and faculty-led model to expand the “heelprint,” scope, and reach of the creative agency and to elevate the organization’s capacity for impact throughout the state and region. At every level, Heelprint will continue its role as a student-focused communications agency that provides educational and immersive professional experiences and one that fosters meaningful relationships between students and clients while preparing them for successful entry into the industry marketplace.
Heelprint 542 is a dynamic, student-driven creative agency at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. By providing real-world experience in advertising and public relations, students collaborate with clients to create impactful campaigns guided by expert faculty. This unique blend of creativity and mentorship enables students to produce professional-quality content and learn invaluable business and life lessons.
Heelprint 542 is a dynamic, student-driven creative agency at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. By providing real-world experience in advertising and public relations, students collaborate with clients to create impactful campaigns guided by expert faculty. This unique blend of creativity and mentorship enables students to produce professional-quality content and learn invaluable business and life lessons.
Above: The original Heelprint Communications logo - created in 2009.Below: The Heelprint 542 agency conference room in Carroll Hall - April 2026.