Hilliard, 38, graduated from Minnesota State University-Moorhead in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in health education, and in 2006 earned his master's degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota. Hilliard also attended the University of Wyoming from 1990-92 where he participated athletically in the hurdles and the relays events. While at MSU-Moorhead from 1993-95, he also participated in track and field.

As the Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations, Hilliard is responsible for the management of the administrative, financial, budget, human resources, and payroll functions for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and its 16 sport programs.  In addition to his business operations duties, Hilliard oversees the equipment, sports video and information technology support services for the Buffaloes.

Born in Rochester, Minn., he graduated from Manitou Spring High School (Colo.) in 1990, where he lettered in football and was an outstanding track and field athlete. Hilliard ran the 110 and 300-meter hurdles and was a member of the 4x200 and 4x400-meter relay teams winning multiple state championships in addition to the boys team championship in 1990. During the 1989 season, he became the Colorado state high school record holder in the 300-meter hurdles.  Hilliard is a former high school national champion in the 60-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles.  He is actively involved in the College Athletic Business Management Association (CABMA) as well as a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).

Hilliard is married to the former Abby Barendt, and the couple has two sons, Zach and Jacob.