LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University is excited to announce Braden Smith as the new Director of Athletic Communications. Smith, a December 2023 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan, will officially assume the role effective August 26th. As Director of Athletic Communications, Smith will be responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of athletic media and marketing plans for NWU's 21 sports. He will oversee the athletic department website, manage the department's social media presence, write press releases and feature stories, create and edit recruiting materials, assist with game day operations and oversee nominations and promotion of NWU's student-athletes and coaches.

Smith has been a key part of the Nebraska Wesleyan community for the past four years, having worked as a student assistant in the athletic communications department. His extensive experience and familiarity with Nebraska Wesleyan make him an ideal fit for this position.

"We are thrilled to announce Braden Smith as our new Director of Athletic Communications," said Nebraska Wesleyan Director of Athletics, Dwight Merilatt. "Braden brings a wealth of experience, innovative ideas, and a fresh perspective to the position. His passion for our programs and commitment to effective communication will play a crucial role in elevating the visibility and success of our student-athletes and teams at all levels. We are confident that his leadership will drive our communications efforts to new heights."

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into this role," said Smith. "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dwight Merilatt and the entire Nebraska Wesleyan athletics staff for their trust in me. I'm excited to contribute to the continued success of our athletic programs and to work closely with our student-athletes and staff. The future looks bright, and I am excited to be a part of it."

Smith previously worked in a communications-based role for Nebraska 4-H and completed an internship with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletic communications department. His diverse experiences have crafted his skills in media relations and communications.

Smith is a Sport Management graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan, where he also minored in Marketing. He was a member of the men's basketball team for three years during his time as a Prairie Wolf.