UVI Athletics Director Dr. Karen Carty Speaks on Panel at NAIA National Convention

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, April 7, 2025 – Dr. Karen Carty, the Director of Athletics at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), was to be selected to speak on a panel on day three of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 2025 National Convention. The convention took place at the Sheraton San Diego Resort on Harbor Island in San Diego, California, from April 3-7.

Carty's workshop, organized by the NAIA R.I.S.E. Committee, was titled "Helping Hands: Creating Environments Supportive of Diverse Student Athletes." The workshop covered a range of subjects, including understanding diverse student-athlete perspectives, creating inclusive team cultures, addressing challenges and providing support, and leadership and institutional responsibility.

"It was an absolute honor to serve as a panelist for the Helping Hands workshop at this year's NAIA National Convention," said Carty. "Sharing valuable information with my peers and other convention attendees was an exhilarating experience that I will treasure for quite some time".

In addition to her role as a panelist at the workshop, Carty was also presented with her 2023-2024 Historically Black College and University Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Athletics Director of the Year award. The reigning HBCUAC Athletics Director of the Year also served as a veteran leader during the Convention's New Member Breakfast, welcoming all first-time convention attendees during the opening session.

Carty continued, "Being one of the leaders of the roundtable discussion at the New Member Breakfast was one of my favorite things I did at this year's convention. Having the chance to interact with first-time convention attendees allowed me to share important tips on how to navigate the convention successfully while getting to meet new people. The icing on the cake was picking up my AD of the Year award and being able to celebrate with all the ADs of the Year from the other conferences in the NAIA."