The Faculty of Sport continued to drive strategic initiatives aligned with UWI’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, emphasising international partnerships, innovation in sport tourism, and enhanced academic and commercial opportunities.

ACCESS AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Since its founding in 2018/2019, the Faculty’s enrolment rose from 128 to 358 students by 2023/2024, a 180% increase, before a minor 2.8% decline to 348 students in 2024/2025. The first sport graduates from the Global Campus received their degrees in 2024. Overall, graduates grew by 188% since 2019. The Five Islands Academy of Sport was established within the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, broadening the Faculty’s regional footprint. The Faculty expanded non-senate-approved programmes, notably by delivering sport facilities management training in Saint Lucia, developing a leadership and governance course for CANOC, and hosting a CME workshop. Quality of teaching and learning was enhanced through tutorial support for challenging courses and technological upgrades to classrooms at St. Augustine. A quality assurance review at Mona led to an action plan now underway, ensuring better alignment with industry needs. Student and staff achievements were significant. UWI cricket teams excelled in national competitions; the UWI Blackbirds netball team produced four Barbadian national players; and the Blackbirds football team won the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup. The 18th UWI SPEC International Half- Marathon was successfully staged, raising funds for the Dyslexia Association.

Research and Public Engagement

The Faculty produced 6 peer-reviewed articles, 4 book chapters, and 1 non-refereed publication, and delivered 12 conference presentations globally. Public engagement remained robust, with faculty contributing columns to major newspapers and launching an online magazine, “Sport in View.” The 23rd Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture was delivered by UWI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles.

ALIGNMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS

External funding was secured through a successful bid to the International Cricket Council for developing an online course on concussion management in cricket, valued at US$10,000. The Faculty collaborated with CANOC on strategic planning and completed a review of Guyana’s national sport policy. International university partnerships continued to foster workshops and practicums, supporting MPhil/PhD candidates. The Commonwealth Sport GAPS Programme, held at Mona, provided para-athletes and coaches from across the Caribbean with world- class training and empowerment opportunities.

A new MoU with Sport Lisboa e Benfica established pathways for student mobility, staff development, and research on elite performance.

AGILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Faculty contributed to a global technical cooperation project with the IOC, WHO, and ICSSPE, developing a continuing professional development course in sport and health promotion and conducting pilot workshops in Jamaica and Kenya. Infrastructure upgrades included HVAC improvements at SPEC, better maintenance schedules, and increased facility rental capacity. The 3Ws cricket field was upgraded to host international matches, and the Bajan Cricket Experience advanced as a flagship sport-tourism initiative.

Looking ahead, the Faculty will launch the Turf Maintenance & Pitch Preparation Programme in partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic, addressing a critical skills gap and offering a new revenue stream.

Leadership Transition

Dean Akshai Mansingh completed his eight-year tenure, with Dr Roy McCree appointed as the incoming Dean.

Conclusion

This reporting period highlighted a year of strategic progress, research productivity, international collaboration, and infrastructural advancement for the Faculty of Sport.