ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has filled out its athletic communications staff, hiring Austin West as Director of Athletic Creative Content. The newly created position will focus on expanding the Red Raiders’ social media and digital content presence in an ever-changing landscape of college athletics.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Northwestern’s athletic office and look forward to highlighting our athletes, coaches, and culture in new and interesting ways,” West stated.
West currently works with Meredith Communications, a radio outlet based in Atlantic, Iowa, serving as an on-air talent and sports broadcaster. During his collegiate career at Buena Vista, West completed internships with the Minnesota Vikings and KTIV News. He has additional sports media experience at KBVU radio, BVTV, and Mind Over Media, covering both high school and college sports. He also played four years in the Beavers’ football program.
“Austin is a talented individual who has a passion for sports media and college athletics,” Northwestern Director of Athletic Communications Bradley Laackmann said. “He will bring a high level of professionalism and creativity to our athletic communications team, and I am excited to see him expand our digital brand.”
West has won multiple awards in recent years, earning first-place marks for column writing and broadcasting from the Society of Collegiate Journalists and Iowa Collegiate Media Association.
“I am excited to welcome Austin to our athletic communications staff,” stated Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops. “Throughout the past year, we have strategically worked to establish intentional roles that will enhance the branding and communication efforts within all platforms for Red Raider athletics. I am excited to watch our outstanding staff tell the story of our Stand Out athletic programs.”
Originally from Walker, Iowa, West is a 2023 graduate of Buena Vista University with degrees in digital media and strategic public relations. He will begin his duties at Northwestern in September.
