Gardner-Webb Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Names New Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs

Dr. Gregory D. Pillar will Join the University on Jan. 6

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey has named Dr. Gregory D. Pillar as assistant provost for Academic Affairs. He will officially start his new position on Monday, Jan. 6. His duties include helping the provost foster academic excellence, student success, and faculty development.

Aubrey is excited to work with Pillar in the Office of the Provost. “I was delighted to see Dr. Pillar’s interest in the assistant provost role,” she affirmed. “His many years of experience in higher education spans multiple disciplines, various administrative leadership roles, and speaks to an impressive background in all of the areas of initiatives and responsibilities found in Academic Affairs. Upon meeting him, it immediately became obvious that he has an enthusiastic dedication to education and creating collaborative transformational experiences that have an impact on a campus community.”

Pillar has more than 16 years of experience in higher education, serving as an administrator and professor. Most recently, Pillar was associate provost for Academic Affairs at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C., and from 2017 to 2021, he was assistant provost for University Programs. In these positions, he spearheaded the creation of innovative strategies for academic operations, faculty affairs, and curriculum development to advance the university’s goals and elevate the student experience.

He looks forward to starting his role at GWU. “It is a privilege to become part of the Gardner-Webb community and contribute to the impactful and transformative educational experiences being created here. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Aubrey, President (Dr. William) Downs, and the exceptional faculty, staff, and students to advance the University’s mission of cultivating leadership, rigorous learning, and a lasting commitment to service.”

Pillar’s key accomplishments at Queens University also include serving as the institutional liaison for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). He provided leadership in ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and maintaining high quality across all academic operations. He led the successful decennial reaffirmation process at Queens, which resulted in no recommendations for follow-up actions.

As a member of the Queens Provost’s Council and the President’s Cabinet, he contributed to high-level strategic planning and decision-making. He led key initiatives that increased student engagement and retention, success and academic excellence. He also has experience in managing academic budgets, ensuring the responsible and equitable use of resources.

Pillar came to Queens in 2006 as a professor of environmental science and chemistry and through the years has taught 36 unique courses. He has held several administrative positions—department chair of environmental science and chemistry, director of the Preyer Honors Program, interim director of Everett Library and interim dean of the McColl School of Business. He was promoted to associate professor in 2012, and full professor in 2018.

He spearheaded the development of new programs at Queens such as the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry. He also provided oversight of the development and implementation of the Master of Science in Finance, the Bachelor of Arts in Business, and the Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics, meeting market demands and increasing enrollment. Additionally, he collaborated with the assistant provost for Online Learning to revamp the curricular change and proposal process, streamlining approvals and enhancing efficiency.

Pillar was also directly involved in enhancing faculty development activities, including new faculty orientation, learning communities, and the implementation of a program that supports faculty in creating more inclusive and equitable courses.

In the area of scholarship, Pillar is a frequent presenter for academic conferences and meetings, and his research has been accepted by various peer-reviewed publications. Pillar earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy (Environmental Chemistry) from the University of Georgia in Athens, his Master of Science in Agronomy (Soil Science) from Kansas State University in Manhattan, and his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Soil Science and Hydrology) from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.