March 15, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. -- Former Auburn equestrian student-athletes Jessica Jones and Kimberly (Tidwell) Davis were named recipients of the 2018 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni Award, the NCEA announced.
"One of the greatest quotes, and focus of thought, I have ever stolen was from a football coach years ago," head coach Greg Williams said. "At the beginning of every year he said he is asked constantly what type of team he has. He always said `I won't know until about 10 years from now.' These awards all help me reflect on my true mission and one that all of my staff buys into at Auburn. We want to win now but also create winners in the future. Jessica and Kim are great examples of those not only winning, but give back to others and their communities. We are very proud that these two are members of the Auburn Equestrian Family."
Jones was recognized for her involvement in the equine industry, working as a veterinarian. The 2010 graduate currently works as an associate veterinarian at the DeKalb Animal Hospital in Fort Payne, Ala.
Jessica Jones competing in Horsemanship
Jones, one of Auburn's all-time winningest Horsemanship riders, earned her undergraduate degree in animal science through the College of Agriculture in 2010 and went on to receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2015. During her time at Ross, Jones traveled to South Africa to do conservation work, assisting in the rhino and African wildlife preservation.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jones has spoken at multiple community functions and high schools promoting the sport of equestrian and the veterinary profession. She is also active with the DeKalb County Auburn Alumni Association.
Davis, formerly Tidwell, earned the alumni honor in the health sciences/services category. She was a successful competitor for Auburn in Horsemanship as well as Reining, assisting the program to its first national title in 2006. Her 19 career wins in Horsemanship is still among the top in Auburn program history.
Kimberly (Tidwell) Davis
The four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree received her degree in animal science through Auburn's College of Agriculture in 2008 before earning a Doctor in Physical Therapy in 2011. Davis has enjoyed a wealth of success in her field, beginning with a five-year stint at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Montgomery. In July of 2016, Davis started working as a Home Health Physical Therapist with HomeCare of EAMC in Auburn.
Away from work, Davis is a member of the Montgomery Regional Board of the Alabama Head Injury Foundation, assisting survivors of brains injuries and their families in many different areas of life. She is also very active with horses, participating in the Palomino Horse Breeders of America Association. In July of 2016, she took over as the National Youth Director of PHBA and serves as Chairman of the Youth Committee. Locally, she was nominated to the Board of Directors for the Alabama Quarter Horse Association.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in eight categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Business), Health Sciences/Services, Media & Communication, and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least 6 years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions, and post-graduate success.
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and shared with the NCEA Board of Directors. The 2018 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized at the NCEA National Championship event at the Extraco Center in Waco, Texas.
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