As a young boy, Don Gilliam would often see his father in the family living room sitting with a Bible open on his lap. The well-worn leather of the book bore witness to the life that his father would live. As Don watched his father’s steady hand move across the pages, he saw not just a man reading words, but a man living them — in how he treated his family, how he spoke, how he loved, and how he served.
Now, years later, Gilliam continues to strive to embody that same strength, seeking to be a man after God’s own heart, just as his father was. For more than 33 years, he has shared the lessons he learned from his father and other Christian mentors, passing them on to students at Alabama Christian Academy(ACA), where he has serves as a teacher and coach.
“My dad was a major influence on my life,” Gilliam said. “He taught me about Christ, how to love Christ, and modeled what a Christian husband, father, employee, and family should look like. I love teaching because now I have the opportunity to pour into my kids at school and teach them about Christ and how to be productive Christian people.”
It’s this passion for teaching and his strong Christian values that led Gilliam to receive the 2025 Alumnus of the Year Award at Faulkner University’s Marketplace Faith Friday Forums, held on February 21.
“I’ve lived a blessed life. I am so humbled by this recognition,” Gilliam said.
Gilliam, who grew up in Prattville, was familiar with Faulkner University. Thanks to a baseball scholarship. He met his wife, Kelli, and the two have been married for 32 years. They have a son Devin who is a Physical Therapist in Birmingham.
While at Faulkner, Gilliam met Donnie Hilliard, a long-time minister, teacher, and marriage counselor. Hilliard, who served as the director of the Cloverdale Center for Family Strengths at Faulkner, became a mentor to Gilliam.
“Donnie poured into me when I was in school,” Gilliam said. When I needed it most, “Donnie taught me how to lead others.”
Gilliam also formed lifelong friendships with Marty Walker, Steve Tindoll, Tim Lee, and Billy Camp, and is still friends with today.
After his final year of baseball eligibility, Gilliam remained at Faulkner to complete his bachelor’s degree. He also worked as a graduate assistant for baseball coach Jerry Green.
Upon graduation, Gilliam’s friend Chris Goodman suggested he apply for a position at Alabama Christian Academy. In 1991, Gilliam began teaching at ACA and has been there ever since.
“Every day has been a blessing,” Gilliam said. “I don’t consider this a job. I just consider myself a part of ACA. Sometimes I just pinch myself and can’t believe I have the blessing of serving this way every day.”
Over the years, Gilliam has coached football, baseball, and basketball while teaching middle school Bible classes, PE classes, and Personal Finance classes. He also founded the WeServe program, which helps students find volunteer opportunities in the River Region.
“It’s great to see students who want to serve others over themselves,” Gilliam said. “I want to teach my students that it’s better to give than to receive. We have volunteered at so many different organizations throughout the six years since I began WeServe.”
Gilliam is also a faithful member of Landmark Church of Christ, where he serves as a deacon over small groups. His commitment to his faith, his students, and his community continues to inspire those around him.
“Teaching is about making a difference in the lives of students,” Gilliam said. “It’s about showing them how to live for something greater than themselves.”
