Interview by ESPN Commentator
(Photo Credit: Tamika Thomas Williams)
Q: President George, How does it feel to return to the court where you once played as student-athlete, now as the president of UVI?
It’s incredibly surreal and humbling, honestly. When I was a student-athlete here, I never imagined I’d return in this capacity. This court holds so many memories for me – the hard practices, the wins and losses, the friendships I built with my teammates. Those experiences shaped who I am today and taught me about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Now, as president, I get to watch a new generation of student-athletes creating their own memories in this space. It reminds me that UVI isn’t just about academics or athletics in isolation – it’s about developing the whole person. The Paradise Jam gives our students and our institution incredible visibility, and it’s an honor to support our teams and showcase what makes UVI special on this national stage. So, to stand here today – it’s emotional. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but more importantly, I’m proud of how far UVI has come and excited about where we’re headed.
Q: President George, UVI has partnered with the Paradise Jam for many years. How does hosting this tournament strengthen the University’s role in the U.S. Virgin Islands and across the broader collegiate athletics landscape?
Our partnership with the Paradise Jam has been transformative for UVI on multiple levels. Locally, this tournament brings the entire Virgin Islands community together. It generates significant economic activity, fills our hotels and restaurants, and puts the USVI on the national sports map. For our students and residents, it’s a source of tremendous pride to see Division I programs from across the country competing right here in our backyard.
For the university specifically, the Paradise Jam elevates our visibility in ways that extend far beyond these few days. We’re hosting coaches, athletes, and media from major programs nationwide, and they’re experiencing our campus, our facilities, and our community firsthand. That exposure is invaluable for recruitment – both for prospective student athletes and students in general who may not have otherwise considered UVI.
From an athletics perspective, this tournament strengthens our position in the collegiate landscape. We’re not just participants in college sports; we’re both hosts and partners in a premier early-season event. That credibility matters when we’re competing for talent, seeking conference affiliations, and building our own programs.
Most importantly, the Paradise Jam reinforces what UVI represents – a world-class institution in the heart of the Caribbean that can compete on any stage. It shows our students that excellence is possible right here at home, and that’s a powerful message for the entire territory.
(Photo Credit: Tamika Thomas Williams)
Q: UVI is both the host venue and a key partner in making this event possible. How does the Paradise Jam contribute to UVI’s visibility, student experience, and the University’s impact on the community?
The Paradise Jam is really a perfect example of how athletics can serve as a catalyst for broader institutional growth and community connection. This partnership brings us visibility; this tournament puts UVI in front of a national audience. We have ESPN covering games from our very own Eldridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, major media outlets writing about the event, and college basketball fans across the country tuning in. That kind of exposure you simply can’t buy. When people see ‘University of the Virgin Islands’ on their screens, it sparks curiosity and raises awareness about who we are and what we offer. For a small institution in the Caribbean, that kind of national platform is invaluable for recruitment and reputation-building.
For our students, the experience is transformative. Our student athletes get to practice and compete in the same facility where Division I teams are playing. They interact with coaches and players from major programs, which raises their own aspirations and standards. Beyond athletics, our broader student body gets to volunteer, work event operations, and engage with visitors from across the country. These are real-world experiences that enhance their education and professional development.
And for the community – this is huge. The Paradise Jam brings people together across the territory. Families come out to watch great basketball; local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, and young people in the USVI get to see elite athletes competing right here at home. It sends a powerful message: you don’t have to leave the Virgin Islands to witness or be part of something extraordinary. UVI is at the center of that, reinforcing our role not just as an educational institution, but as a cornerstone of this community and a driver of economic and cultural vitality in the territory.
