United States Sports University Announces Dr. Karen Carty as 2026 Alumni of the Year

United States Sports University Names Dr. Karen Carty 2026 Alumni of the Year

MOBILE, Ala. — United States Sports University (USSU) is proud to announce Dr. Karen Carty, an accomplished leader in collegiate athletics and sports education, as the recipient of the 2026 Alumni of the Year Award.

A graduate of USSU’s Master of Sports Management program in 2009, Dr. Carty has built an exceptional career spanning more than two decades in athletics administration, sports marketing, strategic communications, fundraising, leadership development, branding, fan engagement, and higher education. Her impact on the sports industry has been felt across conferences, institutions, student-athletes, and communities throughout the United States.

Most recently, Dr. Carty served as Director of Athletics at the University of the Virgin Islands, where she led the department through a period of growth and innovation from August 2023 through January 2026. Throughout her career, she has also held key leadership positions including Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Diversity Initiatives at Bradley University, Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing, Media and Promotions at Grambling State University, and Director of Athletic Marketing at South Carolina State University. Today, she continues to shape the future of the sports industry as a Clinical Instructor/Lecturer at Prairie View A&M University.

For Dr. Carty, a lifelong passion for sports sparked the journey that would ultimately lead to a distinguished career in athletics leadership.

“I really, really love sports,” she said. “I grew up around athletes and sports my entire life. After my junior year of undergrad, I learned that you could work in sports and not have to be a coach or a player. That’s when my interest was sparked, and it’s been history ever since.”

During her time as a graduate student at USSU, Dr. Carty found immediate value in the University’s practical approach to sports education. The ability to apply classroom concepts directly to her professional responsibilities helped accelerate her growth as a young athletics administrator.

“The things I was learning in class I could apply at work,” she said. “The education I received at the University prepared me for so many opportunities throughout my career. It opened up my mind as I worked, made me a better employee, made me a better staff member, and helped me understand the practical side of what I was learning.”

She credits the University’s combination of experienced faculty, industry-focused curriculum, and real-world application for helping prepare students to succeed in the competitive sports industry.

“You’re learning from faculty who have lived these experiences in sports,” Dr. Carty said. “They teach both theory and practical application. The University gives students the tools they need to advance their careers and become effective leaders in sports.”

Receiving the 2026 Alumni of the Year Award came as a surprise to Dr. Carty, making the recognition even more meaningful.

“It wasn’t something that was on my radar,” she recalled. “When I received the email telling me I had been selected, I sat there and cried. It was one of those moments where you realize someone is recognizing your journey and the work you’ve put in over the years. To be nominated by people I respect so deeply made it even more special.”

As she reflects on her career and the role USSU played in her development, Dr. Carty hopes the University continues to be recognized as a premier destination for aspiring sports professionals.

“When people hear the name United States Sports University, I hope they think of a premier institution for sports education,” she said. “A place that is technology-driven, data-driven, and committed to helping students become the best versions of themselves while preparing them for successful careers in the sports industry.”

The Alumni of the Year Award recognizes graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership, service, and commitment to the sports industry exemplify the mission and values of United States Sports University. Dr. Carty’s remarkable career, dedication to student success, and lasting impact on collegiate athletics make her a deserving recipient of this distinguished honor.

United States Sports University congratulates Dr. Karen Carty on being named the 2026 Alumni of the Year and thanks her for her continued contributions to athletics, education, and sports leadership.

To start your journey to a career in sports, visit ussu.edu/programs.