Karen M. Carty has been named the Director of Athletics at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Carty becomes the first female athletics director in UVI’s 61-year history.
“To be the first female AD at UVI is a major accomplishment, but what is even more special to me is that I get to serve in a leadership position on the campuses where my parents attended college,” said Carty. “UVI has been in my blood since I was born, and I look forward to working hard to usher UVI athletics into a new era of success.”
Carty, a Norfolk State grad, spent two years as the Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications at the MEAC after joining the league office in July 2021. She served as the conference’s primary media contact for football, men’s basketball, and softball, as well as Commissioner requests and broadcast initiatives. She was also an executive producer with the MEAC Digital Network.
“I am personally excited to have Dr. Carty join the University and lead our Athletics Department. She brings a wealth of experience and an authentic connection to the Virgin Islands, and the University,” said Dr. David Hall, UVI President. “She is just what we need to expand and improve athletics at UVI. As we join a new conference in the NAIA, Dr. Carty is just the type of leader to take us to the next level of competitiveness.”
In 2021, Carty spearheaded the creation of MEAC Countdown to Kickoff, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference’s football pregame show that aired on ESPN+. It marked the first time an FCS conference produced its own pregame show.
Prior to joining the MEAC, Carty spent two years at Bradley University as the Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Diversity Initiatives.
Carty joined Bradley from Grambling State University, where she served as Assistant Athletics Director for Media, Marketing, and Promotions from 2017 to 2019.
Prior to her appointment at Grambling State, Carty worked in the South Carolina State athletics department from 2014-17. She served as the Director of Marketing while also handling media relations for volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, and softball.
Before going to South Carolina State, Carty spent three and a half years as the Sports Information Director at Baltimore City Community College. Prior to BCCC, Carty spent six years in the sports information office at Norfolk State.
Courtesy: University of the Virgin Islands
