President Billy D. Hilyer

Billy D. Hilyer has served as president of Faulkner University for 22 years. He became the seventh president of the University in July of 1986.

His dedication to the Faulkner family began when he earned his bachelor’s degree in religious education in 1966 from Alabama Christian College, now Faulkner University. He also acquired a master’s degree in education (counseling) from the University of South Alabama, a master’s degree in Bible from the institution now known as Amridge University and has done post-graduate work by completing the hours for an education specialist degree. In 1983 he was awarded a doctorate of humane letters from Alabama Christian College.

He began his career at Faulkner University as a part-time counselor in 1974 and became the Director of Student Services in 1975. He progressed to the position of Dean of Counseling Services/Registrar, then to Vice President of Campus Affairs/Registrar, then to executive vice president in February of 1986.

Hilyer’s steady hand has guided Faulkner University into the rapidly growing University that it is today. Some of the advancements made by the University during his tenure include a 102 percent increase in enrollment, separate and new facilities for each of the four colleges within the University structure, provisional approval of the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law by the American Bar Association, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education programs approval for the education department, the establishment of the Faulkner University Dinner Theatre, and the addition of a Great Books Honor’s College.

The total number of degree programs has dramatically increased as well. President Hilyer has been responsible for the start of a study-abroad program that has taken students to England, Italy, Australia and Central America.

Under his supervision, Faulkner’s Executive Education Program has partnered with businesses in the Montgomery area, as well as in other areas of the state, to educate students in ethical business practices and in other academic disciplines. A Military Education Program was begun in 1987 and has provided accessible, quality education to military personnel across the state.

An integral part of Hilyer’s work as president is fundraising for the school. He has been a part of four major fundraising campaigns during his term and worked to make each campaign a record-breaking event. During his presidency, the University has received unprecedented levels of donations and the endowment has grown significantly.

In the past 20 years, the facilities on campus have been developed into a radiant school environment. New facilities include buildings for the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies, the Harris College of Business, the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law (the Marjorie Y. Snook building), a bookstore and student lounge, a completely renovated and expanded dinner theater, four student apartment buildings and a new state of the art girls' dormitory and student multiplex. Many of the older buildings on campus have been given a face-lift, as well.

In the area of athletics, Faulkner has excelled during Hilyer’s presidency. The men’s basketball and baseball teams have won national championships. Intercollegiate competition in women’s volleyball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf and cheerleading has been added. Some of these teams have won regional and conference championships. In fall 2007, Faulkner added an intercollegiate football program. In its second year of competition the team will begin playing in the Mid-South Conference competing with teams in Georgia, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky and Virginia. A new fieldhouse was dedicated in April 2008.

Beyond Faulkner, President Hilyer’s life revolves primarily around his family. He and his wife, Kay Gafford Hilyer, have three children and six grandchildren. The Hilyer children and their spouses are all alumni of Faulkner University. The entire family attends the University Church of Christ, where Hilyer is active in teaching Bible classes.

Hilyer also enjoys spending time on his farm. He is a national director of the National Cutting Horse Association and a member of the National Shoot to Retrieve Association. He enjoys raising quarter horses, showing his cutting horses at events in the Southeast and bird hunting, when there is time.