New dean chosen from the UWI’s Faculty of Sport

Dr Akshai Mansingh has been appointed as dean of the new Faculty of Sport at the University of the West Indies (UWI) following a search that ended last month.

His appointment is effective from 1 August.

Mansingh is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician who has looked after elite athletes throughout the region.

A graduate of the UWI, Mansingh earned his bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery and his doctor of medicine, orthopaedics degrees at the Mona campus.

He also holds a master’s in sports medicine from the University of New South Wales in Australia.

Speaking on the appointment of the new sean and the establishment of the Faculty of Sport, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said: “This is a seminal moment for our university and its region.

“We are fortunate to have in Dr Mansingh, a colleague who possesses the ability to lead this new initiative on multiple fronts—teaching and research, industry partnerships, and professional development.

“Students, entrepreneurs, professionals and athletes will find in him a competent and charismatic leader.”

Sports medicine

Mansingh has been a lecturer in the Department of Surgery, Sports Medicine in Radiology, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care at the UWI, Mona, since 2007, as well as the programme director and course author for the campus’ MSc sports medicine degrees since 2006.

He is also the author of numerous publications in his various specialisations and has written on Methods for Injury Surveillance in International Cricket among many other cricket and sport science themes.

Outside his academic pursuits, Mansingh is chief medical officer of both the West Indies cricket board and the Caribbean Premier League.

He was a member of the inaugural International Cricket Council Medial Committee and is a member of its Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee.

He has been a cricket analyst and commentator for over 20 years and also serves as a member of several regional and international societies.

First faculty in four daces

As dean of the new Faculty of Sport, Mansingh is responsible for its overall academic and administrative management, including its financial affairs.

He is also expected to represent the faculty on all relevant campus and university boards and committees, as well as with external stakeholders.

The Faculty of Sport marks the first faculty to be established at the UWI in 40 years. T

he University Council approved its recommendation at the council’s annual meeting in April this year.

An official launch of the UWI Faculty of Sport takes place on 26 July.