Former National Geographic Editor Bill Garrett, BJ ’54, died Aug. 13, 2016. He published the famous “Afghan girl” photo and expanded the magazine’s use of photojournalism and visual storytelling. A 36-year veteran of the publication’s staff, Garrett was the magazine’s seventh editor and served during the 1980s. The magazine’s current director of photography, University of Missouri graduate Sarah Leen, said Garrett was one of the first editors to believe and promote the idea that photographers were photojournalists and storytellers, not merely illustrators of a writer’s text. “He helped to create a generation of highly accomplished photojournalists and photo editors whose influence can still be felt today, and his leadership laid the foundation for our continued brand leadership and recognition for publishing the best photography in the world,” she said.

Updated: August 17, 2016