John Pierre graduated from A&M-Victoria, then known as the University of Houston-Victoria, with a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in business strategy and management in 2023. He had previously earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Barry University.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill in 2020, John Pierre, an alumnus of Texas A&M University-Victoria, found himself at a pivotal crossroads, both professionally and personally.

Just before the pandemic hit, Pierre’s father suffered a stroke. The emotional and financial strain of that experience, coupled with the sudden shutdown of the fitness industry, forced Pierre to make difficult decisions – laying off team members and ultimately closing the gym doors after more than 12 years of managing health clubs and training clients.

“It made me re-evaluate everything,” Pierre said. “I started exploring paths that would offer more long-term stability and allow me to help others avoid the financial hardships my family faced.”

That reflection led him into the world of finance. In the fall of 2020, Pierre accepted a branch manager role at Bank of America, a bold move considering he had no prior experience in banking. Determined to close the skills gap, he enrolled in the A&M-Victoria College of Business in the spring of 2021.

Emmanuel Quansah

“I’m incredibly proud of John and the remarkable success he’s achieved in the finance world,” said Emmanuel Quansah, associate professor of management. “His journey reflects the values of innovation, integrity and leadership we strive to instill in all our students.”

Pierre graduated from A&M-Victoria, then known as the University of Houston-Victoria, with a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in business strategy and management in 2023. He had previously earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Barry University.

“It was a complete culture shift,” Pierre recalled. “I went from leading fitness professionals in a relaxed, uplifting environment to navigating a high-stakes, compliance-driven world. It felt like trying to fit an elephant into a golf bag – and doing it in 90 days.”

Balancing a demanding full-time job averaging 60 hours a week with full-time online studies, Pierre’s life became a whirlwind of work and academics. Weekends were filled with responsibilities, and evenings were dedicated to coursework. Despite the intensity, he found the experience deeply rewarding.

When he entered the MBA program in his late 30s, Pierre brought a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom – from entrepreneurship and small business ownership to leadership roles in sales, management and marketing.

“It brought theory and practice together for me,” he said. “Every paper, every conversation with professors and classmates was enriched by the experiences I’d had in the private sector. I was able to contribute in ways that others might not have been able to without that background.”

After earning his MBA, Pierre’s career accelerated. He transitioned from branch management in Dallas-Fort Worth to a small business banking role in Atlanta, and later to a management consultant position at Bank of America’s headquarters in North Carolina, a role contingent on completing his degree.

He then moved into financial advising, joining Raymond James where he helped individuals manage their finances, build investment portfolios, implement tax strategies and plan for legacy and estate needs.

In August 2025, Pierre joined The Prosperity Wealth Group, a team under the Prudential umbrella, where he now serves high-income and high-net-worth clients with retirement and financial planning.

“I’m excited to be part of a team that’s truly making a difference,” Pierre said. “I’ve even had the chance to work with a few clients from UHV – it’s been incredibly rewarding and feels like I’m giving back.”

Pierre chose A&M-Victoria for its flexible online learning, supportive faculty and welcoming staff, a decision he credits with opening doors that might have otherwise remained closed.

“Had I not gone to UHV, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to pivot into banking and finance,” he said. “The MBA was a game-changer.”

Looking back, Pierre sees his journey as both surreal and deeply fulfilling. While the pandemic disrupted his career, it also gave him the chance to pursue dreams he never thought possible.

“I tell people I’m just getting started in banking and finance,” he said. “But every experience I’ve had – especially in my current role – allows me to add real value to people’s lives. And that’s what drives me.”