WACO, Texas - Former Baylor equestrian rider Casey Hill was one of eight former collegiate equestrians to earn the 2016 Inaugural NCEA Distinguished Alumni Award, announced by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.

These awards are presented to women who, after the completion of their undergraduate degree at an NCEA institution, have made significant contributions in a professional field following their time as student-athletes.

Distinguished Alumni are recognized in eight categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Health Sciences/Services, Media & Communication, and Young Alumni.

Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least six years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions, and post-graduate success.

Hill was selected as the Health Sciences/Services recipient, recognizing her extensive success in the field, including recently taking a post at Harvard Medical School, working in the Immunology and Infectious Disease Department.

After graduating from Baylor in 2010, Hill went on to earn a PhD in Infectious Disease and Medical Entomology at the University of Notre Dame.

Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and the recommendations were approved by the NCEA Board of Directors.

The 2016 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized at the Opening Ceremonies of the National Championship event scheduled for Wednesday, April 13 at the Extraco Center in Waco, Texas.

2016 NCEA Distinguished Alumni Awards
Business: Cassie McEnroe, Auburn
Community Engagement: Paige Smith Morgan, Texas A&M
Education: Casey Finnell, Kansas State
Equine (Rider/Trainer/Coach): Logan Fiorentino, University of Georgia
Equine (Medical/Pharmaceutical): Bonner Wimberly, Texas A&M
Health Sciences/Services: Casey Hill, Baylor
Media & Communication: Kristen Dickerson, Oklahoma State
Young Alumni: Julia Hemingway, University of Georgia

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