Getting Involved and Building Connections from Day One
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Athletics, academics, involvement, and Chicago are at the center of Garrison Carter’s college experience and future plans.
Garrison Carter (BA 3rd Year)Athletics, academics, involvement, and Chicago were important factors in Garrison Carter’s decision to attend Illinois Tech. They have continued to be at the center of his experience as a student, and in planning for his future.
“I knew that being in the city of Chicago would provide an amazing opportunity for me to take that next step to grow athletically and academically,” says Garrison, who is from the city’s far northwest suburbs.
“Being able to meet people and build connections so early on has allowed me to really see where I wanted to go, from the minute I stepped on campus,” says Garrison. “By putting yourself out there, being intentional about getting involved, and making do with the available resources, you can thrive at Illinois Tech, and meet a lot of great people in the process.”
Upon his arrival on campus in fall 2022, he plunged into a variety of activities. Within his first two years, he served as the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and vice president of the Black Student Athlete Association. He also quickly became a mainstay of the Scarlet Hawks men’s basketball team, serving as a captain since his first year and earning one all-conference honorable mention for the 2023–24 season. Additionally, Garrison serves as a resident adviser on campus, helping residents in the Illinois Tech community navigate college life and position themselves to make the most of their college experience.
He’s a standout in the classroom, earning accolades such as being selected to the Dean’s List after all his semesters so far and induction into the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. “One of the best things about the business major is that a lot of the courses are very interactive, focusing on working in teams to solve problems and using your critical thinking skills,” he says. “This promotes an environment to learn and practice practical application of core concepts. The faculty are very knowledgeable and flexible. It’s really about the student’s learning, and they are willing to adjust their teaching styles to make sure that the students are understanding the material, and that we can excel in every aspect of our learning.”
Careerwise, Garrison is looking to stay in the athletics arena. “Being a business administration major, being interested in sports, and going to school in Chicago, it’s almost like I have my own pre-professional track because I have everything I need right here,” he says. His aim is to pursue coaching or working in the area of player development, with a long-term goal of working his way up into the executive offices of a pro sports team.
Alongside his career, Garrison plans to continue his community involvement. “I believe that after my playing days are over I’m going to be able to positively impact the youth—the next generation—as a coach,” he says. “Passing on the lessons about basketball that I have learned from my dad, the journey of growth from my brother and I pushing each other, the lessons about life from both my parents, and most importantly having faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I will be well equipped to encourage the youth to embrace hard work, discipline, and consistency in an effort to help them exceed their goals.”
Learn more about the B.S. in Business Administration program.