Shaquille Richardson. Photo Credit: UVI.
The University of the Virgin Islands has named Shaquille Richardson as Co-Interim Director of Athletics, a leadership transition that takes effect January 16, following the departure of former Athletic Director Dr. Karen Carty.
The appointment places Richardson, a St. Thomas native, in a senior leadership role within UVI Athletics after more than two years with the department. Richardson joined the UVI Athletics staff in October 2023 as Sports Information Director, a position in which he oversaw athletic communications for all Buccaneer teams.
In that role, Richardson was responsible for media relations, pre- and postgame coverage, statistics, social media and website management, as well as nominating and voting for conference postseason and national awards. His tenure included recognition at the national level, including selection to the NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy, a program focused on developing administrators for leadership positions, and a Top 10 finish in the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association Publications & Media National Contest.
Richardson 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 truly humbled to be appointed. It's an honor to have been named Co-Interim Director of Athletics at UVI,” Richardson said. “This role carries significant responsibility, and I am committed to serving the UVI community, student-athletes, athletics department, and staff with dedication and Buccaneer pride. Together, we will continue to represent the University with distinction on local, regional, and national stages.”
A former dual-sport collegiate athlete, Richardson pointed to the value of his combined experience as a student-athlete and administrator in shaping his leadership approach. “The combination of my background as a student-athlete, along with my administrative expertise, provides valuable insight into the needs of student-athletes, coaches, and support staff for achieving success both on and off the field,” he said. “As our program continues to grow, we are committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience at the University.”
UVI described Richardson’s appointment as a strategic move that builds on his sports knowledge and media expertise to further elevate the university’s athletic profile during the interim period.
UVI Athletics competes as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the HBCU Athletic Conference, formerly known as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Entering the 2025–26 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 19th year of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field.
Additional information about UVI Athletics is available at UVIAthletics.com.
Advertisements
