Former USC Star Garrett Named as Next Athletic Director

Langston, Okla. – A former Heisman Trophy running back and athletic director for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans will be announced as the next director of athletics at Langston University during a press conference slated for Thursday, June 7^th at 10 a.m. in the C. F. Gayles Atrium on the university’s main campus in Langston.

Michael “Mike” Garrett, who spent 17 years as USC’s athletic director and was a record-setting running back for the Division 1 powerhouse, will replace Patric Simon who resigned in April to take a similar position at Alcorn State University in Mississippi.  He is expected to assume the position in July.

“We are pleased that Mr. Garrett has bought into our vision of moving our athletic programs and University to a higher level of competition and visibility,” said LU President Kent Smith, Jr. “Langston University has a long-standing history of excellence when it comes to athletics. Whether we are talking about our numerous conference championships in football and basketball, or our national standings in track and field and cross country, or the rising success of our relatively new softball program, our student-athletes have proven that they have the athletic prowess and mental capacity to compete academically and athletically anywhere in the country,” Smith said.