AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn equestrian alum Crystal (Pope) Adams was named a recipient of the 2021 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni Award, the NCEA announced Wednesday.
"Crystal was a driven and competitive student-athlete here at Auburn," head coach Greg Williams said. "At that point in her life, all she wanted to do was ride horses and compete. It is fun to see her now with her doctorate degree and leading in education. I think her ability to understand kids with varying motivations concerning academics makes her a treasure to have in education. While being a driven person herself, she is very much a family person first and truly cares about people."
Adams was recognized for her involvement in education as she currently serves as Assistant Principal at Pike Road Middle School in Pike Road, Ala. Adams has served in education throughout the state of Alabama since she graduated from Auburn University in 2004. She has gone on to get other her Master's and Doctoral degrees in education from Auburn as well.
Since 2012, Adams has given over 15 presentations on educational topics ranging from Incorporating Technology into Lessons to using iPads in the Classroom to Response to Instruction Implementation and Depth of Knowledge to Unpacking the Common Core Math Standards.
Adams recently received a grant to partner with A+ College Ready. The program partners with high schools and their feeder schools to create a culture of high academic expectations and provide increased Advanced Placement opportunities for all students.
She has served on many leadership roles throughout her time in education, including as the Program Facilitator and Administrator for the Lee County Learning Center. In addition, Adams has been a science teacher since she entered the field in 2005 and has acted as a robotics coach and a basketball coach at times while in education.
Adams was a part of Auburn's inaugural varsity equestrian team in 2003. She earned many High Point Rider awards in both Reining and Horsemanship during her time on the Plains.
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 the recommendations were approved by the NCEA Board of Directors. The 2021 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized during the NCEA National Championship scheduled in April 2021 at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas.