2-time CU-Lock Haven alumnus utilizing degrees as TV news reporter, high school math teacher

When two-time Lock Haven University (LHU) graduate, Joe Garrison '90 and '06, was in high school, many of his teachers lauded him for his scholastic aptitude and encouraged him to become an educator. At the time, his focus was set on becoming a television news reporter.

Over three decades following high school, through tireless commitment - and two stints at The Haven - Garrison reached his goal and later re-directed his focus. He is not only an award-winning broadcast journalist, but also a high school math teacher, committing himself daily to helping the people he serves in each of his two professions.

Each endeavor has brought him great joy, and neither - he believes - would be possible without his time at LHU.

From 1987 to 1990, Garrison immersed himself in LHU's campus culture, taking advantage of the wealth of experiential learning resources the university affords its students as he worked in pursuit of a four-year degree in broadcast journalism.

He took advantage of extra-curricular professional development opportunities through participation in journalism-centric clubs like WLHU Radio, the Havenscope television club and The Eagle Eye student newspaper. He was also a member of University Players and said theater on campus helped prepare him for live television.

An internship with local news station WNEP during his senior year at LHU gave Garrison the opportunity to write and film stories, edit footage, run studio equipment, practice telling on-air news stories and more.

The chance to hone his skills through the vast array of learning resources facilitated by his time at The Haven, he said, were invaluable for the way in which they prepared him to immediately enter the world of professional broadcast journalism once he graduated.

Today, Garrison is a multimedia journalist for the Williamsport bureau of Nexstar Broadcasting, owner of local news stations WBRE and WYOU. He covers news and sports stories and anchors the local sportscast when needed. Throughout his career, he has handled almost every position - both on and off camera.
 

In 2003, Garrison returned to LHU to pursue a second degree. This time in secondary education mathematics.

After graduating in three and a half years for his first degree, he completed his second degree in just three years. He jokes that his official transcript from Lock Haven University shows a total of 199 credits. Looking back, he had no idea about that number, and would have picked up an extra credit along the way if he knew the milestone was within reach.

This, perhaps, is his only regret about his time at The Haven.

When not behind the camera or on the sports anchor set, Garrison works remotely teaching algebra II and business math for the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PAcyber).

His role with PAcyber is more of a teacher/guidance counselor hybrid role, according to Garrison. Excited to help students earn their high school diploma, Garrison enjoys working with families who have chosen a non-traditional mode of learning for their children through PAcyber.

"It's important to build relationships with families who have decided to change up the way their children acquire an education," Garrison said. "Many believe the process of teaching and learning is an art form. Finding out how my students can best understand the concept at hand is always a goal of mine, and I tailor my instruction to meet those needs."

Garrison has returned to Lock Haven University multiple times throughout his career. On numerous occasions, he has attended math competitions with his high school students.

He has also spent time on campus speaking to journalism classes to share his professional knowledge with LHU students interested in a career in journalism. His main message when mentoring communication students is to focus on the importance of honesty, sincerity and credibility when delivering the news.

"Through advances in technology and social media, anyone can 'get the word out,' " Garrison said. "I want students to know authenticity and credibility are essential in this line of work if they hope to have a rewarding and successful professional career."

"We've all been in a position where we needed some help with our career," he added. "If you think you have something to offer, it's only right that you give back to the system that helped you achieve your goals."

A native of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, Garrison resides in Loyalsock Township, with his wife - 1993 LHU graduate, Marcy (Yencha) - and their two daughters. His son is currently majoring in political science at Bloomsburg University (BU).

"My time at LHU has made all of my wonderful professional accomplishments possible," he said. "Utilizing both of my degrees from LHU is my greatest career achievement. I am truly glad I chose The Haven, not just once, but twice."