Demorest, Ga. - Piedmont University Director of Athletic Communications Joseph Garwood has announced his departure from the Green and Gold after serving eight years on staff.  

Garwood will be taking over at Meredith College in the athletic communications office for the Avenging Angels, allowing the long-time Piedmont employee to return to his home state.   

Garwood noted the impact Piedmont made on his career saying, "There are countless others who have made an incalculable impact on my life during my time here, from an amazing group of coaches and administrators, to the fantastic student workers and my full time athletic communications team.

"For the last eight years, Piedmont has been a central portion of my everyday life. I would like to thank Danielle Percival for hiring me eight years ago and reigniting my passion for athletic communications and introducing me to the world of Division III athletics.

"Thank you to Timmy McCormack for his constant guidance and friendship, and to Jamie Purdy for trusting me to lead the athletic communications team this past year."

Coach Purdy echoed the sentiments of her department regarding Garwood's departure, saying, "Our athletic communications office has been in great hands the last year under Joseph's leadership, but that comes as no surprise given how well he served the student-athletes in his previous role as an Assistant in that office for seven years piror.

"This move is a great move for him and his family as he returns to the Carolina area.  While we hate to lose him in our office, we are delighted to wish him well on his new journey knowing that he will be a Lion for Life to us that had the pleasure to work with him in the athletic department."

Having originally joined Piedmont after starting his career in communications at the Division I level, Garwood spent the last year leading the department he spent seven seasons as an assistant with arriving first in Demorest in 2018.  

Garwood took over the Piedmont SID office following the departure of Danielle Percival who, after leading the Lions' athletic communications for more than a decade, took over as the Associate Commisioner at the SCAC, one of Division III's most prestigious and acclaimed leagues.

"Piedmont is a better place for Joseph's hard work over his career with the Lions," said Percival when asked about her former colleague's contributions in Demorest.  "I couldn't be more proud of the job he's done stepping into the lead role this year and leading the department.  He has mentored countless students who will continue to help the department thrive and make an impact moving forward."

Garwood's imprint can be seen throughout Piedmont's digital presence on a variety of social media platforms and live as well as archived broadcast offerings through Piedmont's digital network that showcases home athletic events.  Garwood also contributed to Piedmont Athletic Communications being named the D3SIDA Region 6 Staff of the Year in 2025.

Garwood originally joined Piedmont in the summer of 2018 as an Assistant Director before being promoted to Director of Athletic Communications in January 2024. Having served as the primary or secondary media contact for all sports offered at Piedmont, his experience sets Garwood up to be one of the most decorated leaders hired to run the communications operations in athletics.

"I am excited for the future, but will always look back with great memories from my time at Piedmont," said Garwood. "As always, Go Lions!"

A 2015 graduate of Appalachian State University, Garwood earned his bachelor's degree in history and a minor in political science.  Plans to replace Garwood's role will be announced at a later date.