Donna Andrews and Shaquille Richardson Named Co-Interim Directors of Athletics
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, January 15, 2026 – The tenure of UVI Director of Athletics Dr. Karen Carty came to an end on January 15, 2026. She will be replaced by Donna Andrews and Shaquille Richardson, who will serve as co-interim directors of athletics. Carty took over the role on August 1, 2023, and helped usher UVI into its full tenure in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the HBCU Athletics Conference (HBCUAC).
"We are thankful for Dr. Carty's service and look forward to continuing to move the department in the right direction," said Dr. Moolenaar-Wirsiy. "Mrs. Andrews and Mr. Richardson are the perfect people to carry on the work currently being done. Their experience and expertise are exactly what we need to take UVI Athletics to the next level." A national search will commence immediately to fill the director of athletics position.
A three-time UVI alumna, Andrews has been with the University since July 1998 and has been a mainstay in athletics for 26 years. The St. Thomas native earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration, all from UVI. Prior to this promotion, Andrews has served UVI Athletics in several capacities, most notably as Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), the highest-ranking female leadership position in NAIA athletics. In this role, she has been a steadfast advocate for meaningful representation, equity, and the effective management of collegiate sports programs. Her appointment follows her recent induction into the Paradise Jam Hall of Fame, where she was honored for 24 years of dedicated service to the internationally recognized tournament. Andrews is also an active member of the St. Thomas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Reflecting on her nearly three decades of service, Andrews shared, "I am truly humbled to be named Interim Co-Athletic Director. This journey has been one of commitment, growth, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the mission of the department and the people who make this place extraordinary. Having worked alongside five permanently appointed Athletic Directors and four interim leaders, she noted that those experiences have prepared her well for this opportunity. The journey has fortified me for the road ahead. I remain committed to leading with integrity, collaborating with our campus and community partners, and maintaining a whole-student-centered vision for our student-athletes and athletic program."
Richardson, a former dual sport collegiate athlete, joined the UVI Athletics staff in October 2023 as the Sports Information Director. In that role, he managed athletic communications efforts, providing comprehensive coverage for all Buccaneer athletic teams at the University, including media relations, pre- and postgame write-ups, statistics, social media and website management, and nominating and voting for conference postseason and national awards. Richardson's tenure as Sports Information Director at UVI is highlighted by his selection to the NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy geared towards the rise of Administrators into leadership positions and a Top 10 finish in the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association (SIDA) Publications & Media National Contest. The native of St. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science and Fitness Management from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in Sports Management from Saint Leo University.
"I am honored to be appointed as Co-Interim Director of Athletics at UVI," stated Richardson. "This role carries significant responsibility, and I am committed to serving the UVI community, student-athletes, athletic department, and staff with dedication and Buccaneer pride. Together, we will continue to represent the University with distinction on local, regional, and national stages."
The appointments of Andrews and Richardson represent strategic advancements by UVI, integrating innovation with a solid foundation to propel the department into a new era of UVI athletics.
