Eric Austin, the Omega Psi Phi Brother and TSU Grad Leading Global Marketing and Media Programs for Billion-Dollar Brands

Eric Austin has spent the past 25 years helping shape some of the world’s most recognizable brands. As a Vice President and marketing innovator at Procter & Gamble, his work has touched global names like Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Braun, and Olay. But before becoming a leader at one of the world’s largest companies, Austin began his journey at Tennessee State University, a place he says changed the trajectory of his life.

He arrived on campus in 1989, a first-generation college student stepping away from home for the first time. “It was a major turning point in my life,” he recalled. “The yard felt sacred—I knew the school had a rich history, and I was proud to be a part of it.”

One moment in particular shaped his experience early on. As he and his parents approached the engineering building during move-in, they were greeted by Dr. Walter Vincent, the Dean of Architectural Engineering. Though they had never met, Dr. Vincent embraced them and promised to look after him. That act of care, Austin said, set the tone for the sense of belonging he would come to associate with TSU and his HBCU experience as a whole.

During his time at TSU, Austin joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Rho Psi Chapter in the Spring of 1992. It was a decision influenced by family, mentors, and peers. His older brother, Michael Austin, an Omega man, modeled leadership and service from a young age. Dr. Vincent, also an Omega and a Rho Psi member, left a powerful impression through his support and mentorship. And the circle of friends Austin met in his first weeks at TSU were all interested in pledging the fraternity. Becoming a member of Rho Psi, one of Omega’s historic model chapters, felt like an honor that tied everything together.

Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Austin credits TSU and Omega with giving him the foundation for success in the corporate world. “It’s harder to be an Omega Man than to pledge one,” he told Watch The Yard. “My early experiences developed my ability to lead, to build relationships, and to persevere through adversity.” Those same qualities have been essential to navigating the demands of executive leadership in corporate America.

Austin’s journey at Procter & Gamble began in IT but shifted to Brand Management after he followed his passion. The transition wasn’t easy. At one point, a manager told him he had small chance of ever being promoted again and questioned whether he belonged. “That was two promotions ago!” Austin told Watch The Yard. Austin rose through the ranks and now occupies an expert role attained by a small percent of employees at the company. “I’m proud that I believed in myself, pushed through and changed perceptions,” he said.

Among his proudest contributions are his efforts to bring more inclusive storytelling to the advertising world. He played a leading role in launching industry-awarded campaigns such as THE TALK, THE LOOK, THESE HANDS, and WIDEN THE SCREEN, a platform that challenges biased portrayals of Black people in advertising and film, and creates partnerships with diverse creators and media companies to enable inclusive market growth for P&G brands. “I want to leave a legacy of inclusive marketing,” he said. “To inspire others to break barriers and see themselves in the work we create.”

As an HBCU graduate and senior marketing leader, Austin believes HBCUs hold immense untapped value. He points out that a significant share of Black professionals—doctors, lawyers, engineers, and educators—are HBCU alumni, which makes the HBCU audience a vital economic driver and cultural influencer. “HBCU culture is essential to the success of American culture,” he said. “These schools need to center that strength in how they market themselves to attract students, funding, and sponsorships.”

For brands hoping to build relationships with Black college students and alumni, he says authenticity is non-negotiable. “HBCU students and graduates are trendsetters. They represent over $14 billion in spending power. But they also expect brands to show up consistently, invest in the community, and be contributors to the culture.” That’s why P&G created a campaign called ‘This is how we HBCYOU’ under Eric’s leadership to reach and grow markets with HBCU students and alumni – through relevant and engaging experiences that amplify their excellence, product offers, scholarships, insightful content, and career opportunities.

Looking toward the future, Austin sees a marketing industry that will be driven by digital fluency and cultural relevance. “Winning with multicultural consumers will be essential to market growth,” he said. “It’s not just about reaching people—it’s about reaching them authentically with relevance and resonance, in ways that reflect their lived experiences.”

If he could offer one piece of advice to his 20-year-old self at TSU, it would be this: “Be unstoppable. Take risks early and don’t be afraid to fail.”

And when he thinks back to those days on campus, there’s one soundtrack that instantly takes him there: Anything 90s Hip-Hop / R&B: Poison – Bell Biv DeVoe.