(Mobile, Ala.) Spring Hill College (SHC) announces the appointment of Brian Gilham as chief of police and director of public safety. In this role, he is responsible for all public safety functions of the College, while providing campus-wide protection of life and property, in accordance with all state and local laws and college regulations of security policies and procedures. He officially starts on Aug. 7 and is sworn in on Aug. 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Stewartfield.
“We are very excited to welcome Brian Gilham as our new chief of police. His extensive experience in law enforcement and personal commitment to leading through community and relationship building will make him a valuable servant leader and member of our campus community,” said President Mary H. Van Brunt, PhD.
Gilham’s law enforcement career started in 1993 in Midfield, Ala. as a patrol officer. Three years later, he transferred to Vestavia Hills where he assumed many roles, including, corporal/FTO, patrol sergeant, lead crime scene investigator, community-oriented police commander, public information officer, special investigations commander (narcotics & vice), administrative captain, and criminal investigations captain.
With an extensive career in law enforcement, Gilham understands the value of serving a community through establishing meaningful relationships. In any leadership role he has undertaken, the philosophy of servant leadership has been a standard practice. In following the steps of a servant leader, Gilham finds that this often leads to the formation of trustworthy relationships. “Through serving others, I believe you build relationships best when you’re willing to serve or go the extra mile to do whatever you can to help others.”
Steadfast in his pursuit of professional development, Gilham continued to take advantage of training opportunities. Following his promotion to lieutenant, he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime that very few law enforcement officers worldwide get to experience. Gilham attended session 257 of the FBI National Academy (NA) after a rigorous vetting process. Proclaimed around the world as the premier advanced law enforcement training program, the NA positions itself as “the strongest law enforcement leadership network in the world and dedicated to strengthening the rule of law around the globe.”
Gilham received his education from Jefferson State Community College and Columbia Southern University. Now, living in Foley, Ala., he shares a home with his wife Kellie. They have two children together, sons Kameron, 25, and Trenton, 20.
During his free time, Gilham enjoys going for a run, tracking down historical relics, and taking photographs. It’s a delight for SHC to have an individual as decorated, determined, and dedicated as he is joining the community. As he familiarizes himself with the layout of Badger land, Gilham plans to meet with the administration and set goals to be the most effective in his protection and preservation of the College and campus community.
ABOUT SPRING HILL COLLEGE:
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the United States. Spring Hill combines the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education and a commitment to caring for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — with innovative educational experiences. Located in Mobile, Ala., Spring Hill’s mission is to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice, and service for life. As a result, Spring Hill students are engaged, inspired and transformed by their experiences.