AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn equestrian alum Dr. Lindsay Portela McGowan was named a National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Distinguished Alumni, the organization announced Thursday.
Portela McGowan is recognized for her contributions to education. She competed for the Auburn equestrian team from 2010-13 and was an All-American as well as an NCEA All-Scholastic team member. She was a part of the 2011 and 2013 national championship teams as well as the 2010 and 2011 conference title winning programs.
"I am really proud that Lindsay was chosen among the NCEA Distinguished Alumni in 2024," head coach Jessica Braswell said. "Lindsay was a graduate assistant for us once her riding career was complete and she continued to serve Auburn and the equestrian sport. She has always had a passion for college athletics and Auburn, and she continues to serve students as an educator. Lindsay is very deserving of this recognition."
"For many sports, you are recognized solely for your athletic contributions so to be recognized by the NCEA for accomplishments not only outside of the arena, but also well beyond the years I was competing speaks volumes to the impact this sport has," Portela McGowan said. "As the sport grows, so too does the network of smart, confident, impressive women who are not only impressive when competing, but in several different aspects of their lives. I am honored to be selected as one of this year's recipients!"
Portela McGowan not only earned her bachelor's degree on the Plains, but she also went on to get her master's and doctoral degrees in counseling. She has served as an adjunct professor at Auburn since earning her doctorate and has taught seven different courses in her field.
Her solo and co-authored research has been published in multiple scientific journals, and she retains professional memberships in numerous associations.
Portela McGowan served as a graduate assistant for the Tigers from 2013-2016 while pursuing her graduate degrees.
"One of the things that I think I always knew but was solidified during my time on the team is that nothing worth having comes easy," Portela McGowan said. "Auburn equestrian prepared me to lean into hard work and embrace discomfort. Adopting this attitude has helped me appreciate challenging opportunities and view them as an opportunity to grow instead of something insurmountable. As a 17-year-old freshman walking onto Auburn's campus, I would have never dreamed that I would one day have my PhD and work for a university. The team taught me to dream big dreams and for that I will be forever thankful."
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in nine categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical), Equine Industry (Professional Rider), 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.
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumnus in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and the recommendations were approved by the NCEA Board of Directors.