Name: Matt Warner
Graduation Year: 2007
Major: Electronic Media
Current Position: Sports Broadcaster at Liberty University
City and State: Lynchburg, VA
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I am closing in on my tenth year in sports broadcasting. After spending almost six years working as a sports anchor in local TV news, I am now enjoying my fourth year of work at Liberty University. My role is to produce and host a weekly sports television show called “Game On,” which airs on more than 30 affiliates around the country. I also broadcast many of Liberty’s NCAA Division 1 live sports including doing TV play-by-play for the Men’s Basketball team.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
Almost all of my favorite memories include my group of guys from K3N (Krause 3rd North). Whether it was winning back-to-back intramural football championships, shooting paintballs at Burgess Hall, or just playing Mario Kart for hours on end, it was that camaraderie with the guys on my hall that made my time at Evangel so special. We may not have been the most popular group with the Krause Hall RD, but we built friendships that remain to this day.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
I knew from a pretty early age that I wanted to go into sports broadcasting, but at Evangel I was able to put that dream into action. I was able to host the “Sports Update” TV show for multiple semesters, while also contribute to the radio broadcasts for the football and basketball teams. The professors allowed me to jump right in and begin getting experience as soon as I stepped on campus; by the time I graduated, I felt that I was prepared for the “real world.” Because of the size of Evangel, I didn’t have to wait until I was an upperclassman to contribute. I think this was a huge blessing and helped me learn and improve in a short amount of time.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
After I graduated, I had more than just a diploma, I had real-life experience working in sports media. This made the transition to my first TV news job much easier. I remember my boss, at the time, being shocked at how quickly I was able to adapt to my first “adult” job, and most of the credit for that goes to Evangel and both the professors and staff who poured into my life.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Look for opportunities outside of class and be ready to work hard. Learning in class and getting good grades are certainly important, but it’s the experience outside the classroom that will separate you from other students. Finding ways to get experience in your field while you’re still in college will give you a head start into your career. Also, prepare yourself for hard work. Oftentimes, the first job out of college is in a place you don’t necessarily want to live, getting paid less than you think you’re worth. It can be discouraging. However, if you commit to working hard and trusting God with the results, you’ll find that He will honor the work that you do.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
I would look for someone who is not afraid to live out the godly characteristics taught at Evangel. Honesty, integrity, servanthood—these are the things that I would want to see in a potential hire. If their heart and mind are focused on Christ, then they will be reliable employees that work hard as unto the Lord.