Drew Teel’s connection to Faulkner University began early. His parents, Willie Teel and Pam McCormick Teel, attended Alabama Christian College, which later became Faulkner University. Drew fondly remembers his childhood experiences on campus, including nights spent at his grandmother Toni’s dorm and attending Focus each year. “Growing up, I was always on campus,” Drew said. “I also had close friends like Andrew Itson and Jordan Jones attending Faulkner, so I was excited to join them there.”
After graduating from Alabama Christian Academy in 2004, Drew enrolled at Faulkner in the fall to study Sports Management. His interest in golf led him to join the Faulkner University Golf Team as a walk-on. “I loved my time on the team,” Drew said. “We had so much fun practicing and playing, especially memorable was seeing Coach Donahoo on his porch at Arrowhead Country Club, urging us to play better. Coach Donahoo and Coach Barker were great!”
In his sophomore year, Drew was voted Most Athletic, sharing the honor with Rachel Logan. Reflecting on his college years, Drew said, “My favorite memories are from my time in Kappa. We won Club of the Year three times, and I made lifelong friends. The years at Faulkner were all about relationships.” He also appreciated his professors, particularly Mr. Walcott, whose classes were memorable for their wit, and Mrs. Rayla Black, who canceled class for March Madness after Drew’s persistent requests.
Drew graduated from Faulkner in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and later earned a graduate degree in the same field from Auburn University Montgomery. He applied his education by coaching at AUM under Coach Larry Chapman and Coach Nigel Card. In 2009, Drew was welcomed back to Tine Davis Gym by Faulkner fans during an AUM game.
In 2011, Drew married Elizabeth Gill, who graduated from Jones School of Law in 2012. The couple moved to Logan County, Kentucky, where Elizabeth is from. Drew began working as an aide in the Russellville Independent School District. He later earned a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Special Education and taught for seven years at Russellville High School and Olmstead School. In 2021, he completed his Educational Administration – P-12 Principal degree and became the Assistant Principal at Auburn School in Auburn, Kentucky. In the summer of 2024, he was appointed Principal of Russellville High School. “I’m thrilled to return to the district that gave me my start in education,” Drew said.
Drew remains close with many friends from Faulkner. “I attended the Benefit Dinner with Drew Brees and reconnecting with so many people I hadn’t seen in over twelve years was wonderful. My time at Faulkner was invaluable, both educationally and for building lifelong friendships. I wouldn’t trade those years for anything!”
