Alumni Spotlight—Ainslee Morris

  Jessyca Brown
  Thursday, October 5, 2023 9:48 AM
  Athletics

Hillsboro, TX

Ainslee Morris graduated from Hill College with an associate degree in liberal arts, majoring in aviation science, in the spring of 2023. In addition to her academic pursuits at Hill College, Morris was also an accomplished member of the college’s rodeo team, competing in breakaway roping and goat tying.

After graduation, Morris began working toward her bachelor’s degree in aviation science at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, to pursue a career in aviation. Morris credits her love of aviation to her grandfather, who would take her flying as a child. “I enjoyed those memories so much and want to keep them going! Getting my degree in aviation is my way of holding on to that,” she said.

During her time at Hill College, she enjoyed traveling to college rodeos with friends, making new ones, and creating memories. “I met some of my best friends while attending Hill College. I will carry those memories with me for a lifetime,” said Morris.

She credits her success to her many supporters. “Paul and Tracy Brown were a tremendous resource during my time there. They were so supportive and continue to be so even now.”

Other professors include her English instructor, Kathy Hilbert, who took an interest in Morris’ post-graduate plans, and Jason Abbott, her government instructor, who sparked her interest in politics.

Morris graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Hill College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Nu Xi, in the fall of 2022. When asked how she balanced rodeo and academics, she said “I tried to use any of my free time to work ahead in my classes. Even during rodeos, I would do schoolwork when I wasn’t competing.”

In addition to her academic successes, Morris has had a successful career in rodeo. In her final semester at Hill College, she competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Regional championship. She has won numerous rodeos, both with the NIRA and the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA). She continues to rodeo for Utah Valley.

“My experiences both academically and athletically at Hill College have helped shape who I am today. I am grateful for my time there and all the relationships I built,” said Morris.

Morris is set to graduate from Utah Valley in 2025.