Gregory D. Pillar, Ph.D

innovative Higher Education Leader – Academic Operations Specialist – Lifelong Learning & Growth Mindset Advocate – Environmental Chemist

Qualifications & Experience

INNOVATIVE, DATA INFORMED & STUDENT-CENTERED ACADEMIC LEADER with extensive experience in higher education administration, instruction, program and curriculum design, accreditation, faculty development, student services, university programs, and crisis management. Background includes proven & effective strategic leadership in university operations and major university initiatives including reaffirmation of accreditation, transition to Division I athletics, and establishing offices focused on embedding community engagement in the curriculum and programs for high achieving students. Experience shows progressive and increased responsibility in academic administration. Leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, hybrid (active & passive) and transformational. Founded on integrity, open & direct communication, and strong interpersonal savvy with a desire to foster individual growth and motivate effective teams to have an enduring impact on campus and in the community.

Greg_Podium

Areas of Focus in University Leadership and Service

Over 16 years of progressive experience, focus and leadership in higher education administration by serving on steering committees, as faculty fellow/associate, department chair, program director, interim library director, interim dean, and assistant/associate provost.  Through these experiences I have developed expertise, insight, and skills within the following areas of leadership and service in higher education.

University Operations & Financial Management

Enrollment, Retention & Student Success

Curriculum Development, Assessment & Oversight

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Faculty Affairs

Strategic Initiatives

Professional Experience - Leadership & Faculty Positions

Current:
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Interim Director, Pulliam Center for International Education
Professor of Environmental Science & Chemistry

Previous:
Assistant Provost for University Programs 

Interim Dean,  McColl School of Business
Interim Director Everett Library
Director Preyer Honors Program

Department Chair  Dept. of Environmental Science & Chemistry 
Department Chair Dept. of Environmental Science

William S. Lee Professorship &
Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Chemistry (tenured) 
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Chemistry

SLA-2223-Group-1-scaled

Members of the 2022-2023 Cohort in the Senior Leadership Academy (SLA) sponsored by the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and Academic Search.

Doctor of Philosophy

University of Georgia
Agronomy (Environmental Chemistry)

Master of Science

University of Georgia
Agronomy (Environmental Chemistry)

Bachelor of Science

University of Minnesota Environmental Science (Soil Science)

Certificate

Cornell University
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Student Quotes

“He teaches with
incredible passion and his
lectures are always
captivating”

“He uses real-world
examples to
demonstrate the utility of
our education”

“Dr. Pillar exemplifies everything that is genuine about being an educator. His sense of appreciation for his field, respect for his students and passion for teaching are what make him truly one of a kind.”

“He connected with students very well and established close
relationships with each of us. Dr. Pillar expected the best
work possible from me and kept me motivated throughout
the semester.”

“(His honors course) was one of the most interesting and thought-provoking courses I took”

Disciplinary areas of expertise

Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry, Soil and Water Chemistry,
Environmental Chemistry, Soil and Plant Analysis, Organic Contaminant Hydrogeology, Advanced Chemical Instrumentation

Environmental Science

Soil Science, Geology, Agricultural Sciences, Global Food Security, Hydrology, Geomorphology, Geospatial Sciences, Mineralogy, Research Methods

Higher Education

General Education, Academic Honors Curriculum, Student Success Services, Adult and Continuing Education, Higher Education Leadership, Academic Operations, Faculty Development, Administration, Higher Education Policy

International/Global Education and Perspectives

Costa Rice, Italy, Vietnam, Micronesia