For nearly a century, E.R. (Eulie Ross) Brannan dedicated his life to Christian education and the expansion of the Lord’s kingdom. Guided by strong values and unwavering faith, Brannan became a cornerstone of Alabama Christian College, now known as Faulkner University, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy.
Brannan’s life serves as a powerful example for all who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, inspiring us to look to his unwavering faith, humility, and commitment as a model to emulate.
E.R. Brannan, a 1947 graduate of Montgomery Bible College, served as the third president of Alabama Christian College from 1973 to 1981. He was 96 when he went to be with the Lord on November 28, 2024.
Faulkner University President Mitch Henry expressed his gratitude, stating, ”E.R. Brannan led Alabama Christian College positively during challenging times. His legacy continues with great leaders who he mentored such as Dr. Wayne Baker and Dr. Billy Hilyer. Although I knew Dr. Brannan just a few years after I became president, his encouraging words and wisdom have provided me inspiration for Faulkner University’s future.”
Born into a world in turmoil, Brannan’s early years were marked by the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash, which left millions, including his family, homeless and searching for work during the challenging decade of the Great Depression. These experiences instilled in him a resilience and work ethic that would define his life.
In the decade following the Black Tuesday crash, E.R. Brannan’s father struggled to find stable work, leading the family on a difficult journey across Ohio in search of employment. Eventually feeling defeated, they returned to their family farm in Gold Ridge, Alabama, east of Cullman County.
It was not until World War II, when the economy surged with military manufacturing, that opportunities began to arise. Brannan’s father secured a job at the shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, while Brannan, still a young boy, attended Georgia Christian Academy, a boarding school in Dasher, Georgia. Throughout these challenges, Brannan’s mother held onto a dream for her son—to become a preacher, a hope that would shape his path for years to come.
Brannan’s journey continued when his family sent him to Montgomery, Alabama, to complete his high school education and begin college at Montgomery Bible College in1942, the same year as the school’s founding. He envisioned a picturesque campus reminiscent of the grand antebellum homes featured in Gone with the Wind, set on a sprawling 27-acre property. However, his arrival brought a stark surprise.
“I took a bus from Mobile to Montgomery and then paid a dime for a taxi to 914 Ann Street since it was within city limits,” Brannan recalled. “We drove up Court Street and turned onto High Street, admiring the beautiful homes. I was so excited. But then we reached Ann Street, and it was a dirt road, with dust flying everywhere. The car bounced as we pulled up in front of 914 Ann Street. The driver said, ‘Sorry, I can’t drive up the driveway; it’s washed out.’ So, I got out and walked up the drive to the school, and let me tell you, it was no Tara,” he said with a chuckle.
Brannan noted that while the physical conditions of the dormitories were lacking, with students sleeping in bunks, the dedication of the teachers made a lasting impression. “The quality of instruction I received was among the best, thanks to the sacrifices they made.”
As a student, E.R. Brannan was a vibrant presence on campus, serving as the editor of The Vision school newspaper, earning honors as an Honor Student, and being named Mr. MBC in his junior year and Best All Around in his senior year.
He was an honor student, a member of The Preachers Group, a member of The Press Club and President of Zethalethians. He also gave the Last Will and Testament during graduation. After graduating, he continued his education at Auburn University and Huntingdon College, eventually earning a master’s degree in 1953 and a doctorate in 1960. During this time, he met his first wife, Merle Moore Brannan, who became a beloved figure among students when he returned to teaching. Tragically, Merle passed away on October 3, 1980.
Recalling his student days, Brannan shared, “When I was at Alabama Christian, my desire was to be a preacher. Leonard Johnson suggested I consider teaching in a Christian school. He explained how teaching and preaching fit together like hand in glove when it came to furthering the Lord’s work. That changed my whole perspective, leading me from preaching to teaching to the presidency.”
He earned his associate’s degree in May 1947, just five years after the school’s founding in 1942. After graduation, Brannan transferred to Auburn University for two quarters before moving to Huntingdon College, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in March 1949. He began his teaching career at Montgomery Bible School, where he faced financial challenges. “At that time, we couldn’t live on what the school paid us,” Brannan recalled. “Our salaries were about $700 for the year.”
E.R. Brannan continued his academic journey by enrolling in graduate school at Auburn University, earning his master’s degree in 1953 and his doctorate in 1960. Throughout his career, he climbed the ranks at Alabama Christian College, first serving as high school principal, then as assistant to the president, dean, and vice president, before being appointed president in January 1973, a position he held until March 1981. During his presidency, Brannan spearheaded a major change during the 1976-1977 academic year to move the school from a quarter system to a semester system. His goal was to move ACC to become a four-year institution by 1980. His vision was realized in 1983 with the first four-year graduating class.
“What I really enjoyed about my role as president at Alabama Christian was the students. They have always been my primary interest through the years,” Brannan reflected. “Helping to make them the best they could be was the greatest reward.”
Dr. Brannan was known for his humor and good communication with the students. His office was always open to students and faculty, and he participated in many campus activities. A plaque in his office read, “O God, forsake me not; until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation. Psalm 71:18.”
After a nine-year hiatus, he returned in 1990 to serve 14 years as special counsel to Faulkner President Billy Hilyer. After retiring in 2004, Brannan spent the next 13 years as the associate minister for Madison Church of Christ. He retired from that role at the age of 87 and turned his attention to writing, successfully publishing five books.
Brannan would go on to marry Willie Metta Brannan, who died in June 2012, and later Louise Wright Brannan, who passed away in September 2022.
He moved back to Montgomery in 2022 and along with his writing, he taught classes at church and led weekly Bible studies in his home.
In recognition of his decades of dedication and service to the university, Brannan was honored as Alumnus of the Year during Faulkner’s 2023 Marketplace Faith Friday Forums.
On February 14, 2024, Brannan married Virginia Randolph Phillips at University Church of Christ. Both widowed, they had been friends since their time as students at Montgomery Bible College and their children had attended school together at Alabama Christian College.
