Alumni of the Year
Awarded to a graduate who has achieved distinction through exceptional contributions to our international, national, state or community welfare.
Maj. Gen. Joel Carey
B.A. '92
The Alumni of the Year honor is awarded to a graduate who has achieved distinction through exceptional contributions to our international, national, state or community welfare. This year’s Baylor Alumnus of the Year is Maj. Gen. Joel Carey, B.A. ’92, Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration – United States Air Force in Europe and Africa.
In his current role, Carey oversees a directorate staff and the 603rd Air Operations Center, enabling integrated air and space operations for Europe and Africa. He is a pilot with more than 3,200 hours, primarily in fighter aircraft, including more than 600 combat hours. Carey’s 29-year Air Force career includes serving as commander of a fighter squadron, vice commander of two air expeditionary wings and commander of three wings, including a flying training wing, air expeditionary wing and the Air Force’s largest overseas combat wing.
Prior to his current position, Carey was the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Headquarters Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Air Medals, among others. While a Baylor student, he played football for Coach Grant Teaff from 1988-90, was active in Kappa Omega Tau and was a member of Air Force ROTC.
