Athletics Paved the Way

Athletics are what brought Willie Garrett ‘92 to Midland University, and that experience paved the way for a 30-year career in television broadcasting.

Garrett serves as the Regional Creative Services Director for KTNV in Las Vegas, Nevada. His work in the broadcast industry began not long after his graduation from Midland and has allowed him to merge his love for athletics into his career in television. “I’ve been able to partner my television stations with sports organizations like the Green Bay Packers, Creighton University basketball, Las Vegas Raiders, and Vegas Golden Knights,” Garrett said. “Being a collegiate athlete gave me an advantage because I could speak their language, relate to players, and understand marketing and revenue goals.”

The opportunity to play football brought Garrett to Midland from Waukegan, Illinois. He was part of some very successful Warriors teams, helping them win the NIAC championship in 1990. His 96-yard touchdown run remains the longest in Midland history.

While at Midland, he was inspired by one of his instructors to pursue a career in television. “Michael Scott (KETV) was one of the top television anchors in Nebraska and I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher and a mentor,” Garrett said. “He really steered me into management instead of being in front of the camera. There was a definite need to have more people of color in decision-making positions at TV stations, and I took on that role pretty easily thanks to what I learned at Midland.”

But the television career had to wait for a bit as Garrett parlayed his success on the gridiron at Midland into stints in Arena football and Semi-Pro football. “I played with guys who came from big schools,” he said. “It was evident to me that football is football no matter where you play because I really excelled and won numerous championships at a high level. People were astonished that I played at a smaller school like Midland.”

Garrett enjoys water skiing and traveling when he gets a break from work.

Submit Your Midland Alumni Spotlight Information

Are you an alum of Midland's undergraduate or graduate Programs? If so, we would love to feature you in an Alumni Spotlight and share what you’ve been up to since graduating and why your connection to Midland University is important to you. 

Complete the form linked below for a chance to be featured on our website, on social media or in next alumni newsletter.

SUBMIT YOUR MIDLAND ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT