Education

• M.A., Wayne State University
• B.S., Lipscomb University

Courses Taught

Honors and Affiliations

• Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame
• North Oakland Baseball Federation Hall of Fame
• Carman Ainsworth Hall of Fame, 1966 Men’s Basketball Team
• Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan, Coach of the Year, 1989
• National Small College Athletic Association National Coach of the Year, 1986, 1995
• United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Coach of the Year, 2004, 2005
• Michigan Christian College Faculty of the Year, 1986
• Rochester College Faculty of the Year, 2008

Professional and Academic Experience

• Member, USCAA Executive Board of Directors
• Chairperson, Department of Physical Education, Rochester College
• Coordinator, Housing, Rochester College (1979-1984)
• Dean, Students, Rochester College (1986-1989)
• Director, Athletics, Rochester College (1990-2010)
• Director, Intramurals, Rochester College (1979-1986, 2011-Present)
• Member of the Academic Cabinet, Rochester College

Personal

Garth is married to Pat Palmer Pleasant and they have three children, Kim & Randy Speck, Klint & Rachel Pleasant , and John & Erin Pleasant. They are the proud grandparents of Palmer & Lainey Hope Speck, Abbey & Julia Pleasant, and Logan & Hallie Pleasant. Garth and Pat have spent their entire married life in Christian Education. Garth also served as the minister for the Lake Orion Church of Christ from 1980-2009. Besides being grandparents, they enjoy spending time in northern Michigan and have enjoyed cruising. Garth enjoys listening to “Oldies but Goodies” and reading and listening to Randy Harris and Rubel Shelly sermons. Garth loves the Detroit Tigers and Michigan football. What he enjoys most is spending time with his family.

Presentations

• Kent State Basketball Clinic, Clinician
• Wayne State Basketball Clinic, Clinician
• Don Meyer Coaching Academy, Clinician
• BCAM & Paul Galbinski Coaching Academy, Clinician
• Speaker at a variety of functions.