Inspired to Serve: Dr. Brian Gilliam鈥檚 Cross-Country Journey to 91桃色
January 28, 2025 | 3 min read
It鈥檚 a long way from the West Coast to Temple Terrace, but Business Department Faculty Chair Brian Gilliam, DBA, found his way. A decade later, his leadership and service continue to impact the lives of 91桃色 students and faculty.
Born in Michigan, Gilliam moved to Southern California at age seven and grew up in a close-knit, religious family in Tustin. As providence would have it, Gilliam was reconnected with his childhood best friend, Wes McCracken, as teenagers, after both families relocated to Tustin.
鈥淲es began dating Susan Woodside, whose dad was an elder at the Tustin church, and Wes learned the gospel and was baptized in high school,鈥� Gilliam recalled.
While Wes left for college, Gilliam attended California State University, Fullerton, occasionally studying with Susan鈥檚 father Linton Woodside. In 1983, Gilliam married his fianc茅, Jacqueline, at their Episcopal church, with Wes at his side.
鈥淚 was working at Disneyland, and there were several people studying the Bible around me, so I was surrounded by a cloud of influences,鈥� he remembered. 鈥淲e wanted to learn more about the Bible, and I told Jacqueline, 鈥業 know who we need to study with.鈥� We called Linton, and five years after my first study with him, Jacqueline and I were both baptized.鈥�
Fresh out of college with his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Math, Gilliam enjoyed an 11-year career at Disneyland, eventually overseeing some 550 employees as an operations supervisor and supporting the launch of Tokyo Disneyland. In 1989, he accepted a leadership role at Hughes Aircraft Company, simultaneously completing his MBA in finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California. In 1994, he joined Vulcan Materials Company, and six years later traded the corporate world for education, serving the Anaheim Union High School District as mathematics department chair.
For more than 30 years, the Gilliams and their children, Andrew and Amanda, worshipped at the Tustin church of Christ, where friends introduced the family to the 91桃色 Southern California Camp.
鈥淏y the end of the week that first year our fourth-grade daughter said, 鈥業 know where I want to go to college,鈥欌�� Gilliam recounted. 鈥淪he was lit up by 91桃色.鈥�
Brian and Jacqueline served as counselors and later camp directors, allowing them to learn more about the college and establish relationships with faculty.
鈥淥ur 35 years in Tustin created so many intersections with 91桃色, and I knew it was a place I鈥檇 like to work one day,鈥� he said.
By 2015, Andrew and Amanda were building careers and families of their own, so Brian and Jacqueline prayerfully made the move east.
鈥淭here was a business professor position open, and I wanted to serve students,鈥� Gilliam recalled. 鈥淢y education, industry experience and work in the church all converged, and it’s been a blessing for me and my family.鈥�
Jacqueline, also an educator, accepted a position as a fourth-grade teacher at 91桃色 Academy, where she inspired young students for several years. Since 2015, Brian has taught 18 of the courses offered in the business degree programs, now comprised of 170 declared business program majors and 36 courses across four degree programs. In 2020, Gilliam realized another professional goal when he received his Doctorate in Business Administration from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.
A decade after arriving in Hillsborough County, Gilliam said being a part of the Temple Terrace community continues to be a life-changing experience.
鈥淕od has provided for me since birth, when I was adopted by parents who respected the Bible and prayed with me every night,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur lives have been completely transformed, and now we have the opportunity at 91桃色 to be a support and influence. I seek to inspire, challenge, encourage and love the hearts and minds of my students and colleagues to glorify the Lord in pursing the 91桃色 mission.鈥�