Leadership

Scott Brown is very excited to be joining the ACA administration
staff for the 2025-2026 school year. Scott is a graduate of Arab
High School. He attended the University of Alabama where he
earned a degree in Secondary Education/Social Science. He went
on to earn a master’s degree in history from the University of West
Alabama.
Scott spent the first 25 years of his career at Brookwood High
School and Brookwood Middle School. At Brookwood, he coached
football, basketball, and golf. The last 10 years at Brookwood he
served as athletic director. Scott has taught a variety of classes
during his career, most being some form of history. During his 25
years at Brookwood, he also served as the FCA Huddle leader.
Scott retired from Brookwood High School in the spring of 2023
and came to ACA where he has taught Dual Credit history, US
History, and World History. He currently serves as defensive backs
coach for the ACA football team.
Scott and his wife Stacy will soon celebrate their 26th wedding
anniversary. He has two daughters, Anna (19) and Addison (16).
Anna was a 2024 graduate of ACA and just completed her
freshman year at the University of Kentucky. Addison is a rising
junior at ACA.
Scott and Stacy are active members of First Baptist Church
Tuscaloosa where they currently teach Sunday School in the youth
ministry. He enjoys traveling and is an avid follower of Alabama
football and basketball.

Christine Chism is honored to transition into the role of elementary principal
at American Christian Academy. With a deep belief in ACA’s Christ-centered
mission, she is committed to fostering a nurturing and spiritually grounded
learning environment where every child can thrive both academically and
personally. Christine gave her life to Christ at the age of 15—a decision she
considers the most important of her life—and she continues to seek His
guidance daily in her leadership and service.
Christine earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from The
University of Alabama in 1997. She began her career with the Tuscaloosa
County School System, where she served for a decade before taking a few
years off to rest and refocus. In 2008, inspired by the exceptional education
and spiritual growth her daughter received at ACA, Christine joined the
school’s faculty. After many years in the classroom, she is now excited and
humbled to step into the role of elementary principal, where she aims to
support students, families and teachers with wisdom, compassion and faith.
Family is a cornerstone of Christine’s life. She married her high school
sweetheart, Wade Chism, in 1996. They have one daughter, Meredith
Camille, a proud ACA graduate. Both Wade and Meredith now work at The
University of Alabama. Christine also treasures her close relationship with
her parents, whose love and godly example continue to influence her. She
considers it a blessing to travel with her father on international mission
trips, helping to share the Gospel and serve communities around the world.
Christine is grateful to be part of the ACA family and looks forward to
leading with grace, strength and a heart devoted to Christ. She believes in
the eternal value of Christian education and is excited to partner with
parents and staff in shaping the next generation for God’s glory.

Austin is an ACA graduate and currently resides in Tuscaloosa with his wife Ashley and their son Hollis. Ashley works at the University of Alabama and Hollis attends ACA as well. Austin and Ashley have been married since 2018. The Grammer family loves all things surrounding sports and the relationships they bring forth.

Hello, I’m Eddie Hankins, and I am excited to serve as the new high
school principal at ACA! Additionally, I will be stepping in as the defensive
coordinator for the football team. I grew up in Sulligent, Alabama, and
graduated from Sulligent High School. I attended Auburn University from
1984 to 1988, where I earned my degree in Agri-Science/Business
Education. It was also at Auburn where I met my wife, Joan, a retired
special needs educator. We have been happily married for 30 years!
After graduating, I began my teaching and coaching career at Carrollton
High School, where I spent fifteen years as a teacher, assistant coach, and
head football coach. During this time, I earned my master’s degree in
educational administration from The University of West Alabama.
In 2003, I transitioned to Gordo High School, where I served as a teacher,
assistant principal, football defensive coordinator, and athletic director. I
retired from Gordo High School and the Alabama Education System in
2018. Following my retirement, I began teaching Industrial Maintenance
at the Lowndes County Career Technology Center in Columbus, MS.
I have had the privilege of coaching at ACA twice. My first tenure was
from 2002 to 2003 as a defensive assistant under Coach Stephen Hooks. I
returned to coach linebackers from 2019 to 2020 under Coach Chris
Smelley.
Joan and I are proud parents of two sons, Drew (who is married to Allie)

and Will (who has a girlfriend, Marlee), as well as our adorable one-year-
old grandson, John. We are active members of Grace Community Church

in Gordo.

Hello, I’m Caleb Hooks and I am thrilled to serve as the new
Athletic Director at ACA. I grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL and went to
school here at American Christian from kindergarten through
twelfth grade, graduating in 2007. While at ACA, I played football,
basketball, baseball, and soccer. I then attended the University of
Alabama and graduated in 2012 with a degree in Education
specializing in Exercise Science.
After graduating from Alabama, I moved to Huntsville, AL to
coach and teach at Westminster Christian Academy. I have
coached football and taught P.E. for 12 years and have been the
assistant athletic director for the last 10 years.
I met my wife Anna in Huntsville, and we married in 2019. We
have twin two-year-olds (Jackson and Riley) and just welcomed our third in June 2025. We are thrilled for them to start
school at ACA!
I am so excited to be coming back and having the opportunity to
work where I went to school. ACA has always been a special
place, and I am thrilled to be back. We can’t wait to get started!

Tracey Keaton is a dedicated educator with two decades of experience
nurturing young minds. A proud graduate of Central High School and
Stillman College, she began her teaching career in the Hale County
School System before moving to Polk County Schools in Lakeland,
Florida. Since 2005, Tracey has been committed to fostering academic
excellence and spiritual growth in her students.
For the past 14 years, Tracey has been an integral part of the American
Christian Academy (ACA) community. Her passion for education and
unwavering dedication have led her to her new role as the Academic
Director for K3–5th grade. In this position, she is excited to support
students in achieving both their academic and spiritual goals, ensuring a
holistic approach to education.
Tracey's commitment to ACA extends beyond her professional role; she is
also a proud parent of two daughters, Taylor, a 2016 ACA graduate, and
MacKenzie, who is set to graduate in 2025. Affectionately known as
"Mama Keke," she cherishes her role as a grandmother to Kacey and
embraces the opportunity to mentor and support both the older and
younger members of the school community.
Outside the classroom, Tracey enjoys cooking and spending quality time
with her family. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive
environment makes her a beloved figure at ACA, where she continues to
inspire and guide students and colleagues alike.

Josh has a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Auburn
University and has taught at his alma mater Westminster Christian
Academy in Huntsville, Alabama since 2018. He is presently finishing
his master’s in educational leadership from the University of Alabama.
He has taught World History, U.S. History, and AP U.S. History, as well
as Driver’s Education. Josh coached football and baseball all seven
years, he has been the offensive coordinator and Offensive Line coach
while at Westminster. 

 I am excited about my journey here at ACA!  I truly believe that God gave us all a purpose. I am so thankful to be walking in mine. I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Al. I have three children that attend ACA. My hobbies include singing , traveling , and spending time with my loved ones. I have over 9 years of experience with children and have a degree in Early Childhood Education.