Kendee Hilliard joined the Missouri Valley Conference staff in June 2024 as Director of Community Relations. She oversees community engagement initiatives, student-athlete leadership programming, and travel logistics, while also serving as the sport liaison for cross country and track & field. As part of the external team, Hilliard manages championship merchandise operations, marketing and branding initiatives, and the Conference’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Most recently, Hilliard served as the NCAA Division II Governance Postgraduate Intern, managing DII's marketing, digital communications, and event branding efforts. She handled newsletters, website management, and reviewed conference funding reports, deepening her understanding of DII's governance structure. Hilliard actively participated in governance committee meetings and served on the NCAA People of Color Employee Engagement Group leadership council. Also, supported the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she created reports and newsletters while assisting in the preparation and execution for SAAC Super Region and NCAA Conventions.
Prior to the NCAA, Hilliard was an MVC volleyball student-athlete at Illinois State. She helped the Redbirds earn three Missouri Valley Conference titles, which included three NCAA Tournament appearances. Throughout her collegiate athletic career, she earned several awards - CSC Academic All-District Honorable Mention, MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention, MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award, MVC Honor Roll, and MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight. Hilliard also served as a four-year member of ISU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), ultimately serving as President.
Passionate for working in college athletics, dedicating herself to enhancing the student-athlete experience through various athletic departments and organizations. Hilliard completed several internships within the ISU Athletic Department and played a vital role in the ISU's celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX legislation, which included assisting with raising funds for the Title IX monument on the ISU campus.
As an early college enrollee, Hilliard earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation administration with a minor in Psychology (2021) and Master of Science in Sports Management (2022) in four years. The West, Texas, native is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, MOAA, and Women Leaders in Sports. Hilliard serves as a guest host of the 1 Question Podcast.