Home / People / Dr. Gregory D. Pillar Dr. Gregory D. Pillar Assistant Provost Dr. Gregory D. Pillar serves as Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs at Gardner-Webb University, where he provides strategic leadership to advance academic excellence, student success, and faculty development. With over 16 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Pillar is a dynamic academic administrator known for fostering innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to transformative educational experiences. Dr. Pillar’s administrative career spans various leadership roles in academic operations, curriculum development, accreditation, and faculty affairs. Before joining Gardner-Webb, he served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at Queens University of Charlotte. In this role, he spearheaded institutional initiatives that enhanced student engagement, retention, and academic outcomes. As the institutional liaison for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), he successfully led the university’s decennial reaffirmation process, resulting in no recommendations for follow-up actions. Throughout his career, Dr. Pillar has demonstrated a collaborative and data-informed leadership style, guiding teams to achieve strategic goals and elevating academic programs to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving student population. His work has included developing new degree programs, streamlining curricular processes, and enhancing faculty development through innovative programming and inclusive practices. Additionally, he brings extensive experience in career development, student advising and success, and faculty development, ensuring holistic support for the academic community. He also has extensive experience in international education, accessibility, and student support services, further broadening his impact on academic success. Before transitioning fully into administrative leadership, Dr. Pillar established himself as a respected faculty member and scholar. As a professor of environmental science and chemistry, he taught a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, mentored numerous student research projects, and conducted research on the sustainability of soil and water resources. His passion for global education led him to design and lead international study experiences to destinations such as Italy, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Micronesia (Yap), where he facilitated an environmental experiential learning program that connected students with local ecosystems and sustainability practices., enriching student learning beyond the classroom. Dr. Pillar’s academic achievements are complemented by his strategic contributions to university governance and planning. He has held key roles such as Interim Dean of the McColl School of Business, Interim Director of the Pulliam Center for International Education, and Director of the Preyer Honors Program, and Interim Director of Everett Library, gaining extensive experience in managing complex academic and operational portfolios. A lifelong learner and advocate for excellence, Dr. Pillar holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a focus on Environmental Chemistry from the University of Georgia. He earned his M.S. in Agronomy (Soil Science) from Kansas State University and his B.S. in Environmental Science (Soil Science and Hydrology) from the University of Minnesota. His scholarship has been featured in peer-reviewed journals, and he is a frequent presenter at academic conferences, sharing insights on sustainability, higher education leadership, and innovative teaching practices. He has also been a contributor and guest co-host on the EdUp Experience Podcast Network. At Gardner-Webb University, Dr. Pillar is committed to advancing the institution’s mission of cultivating leadership, rigorous learning, and a lasting commitment to service. He is deeply passionate about helping the modern learner meet their goals, fostering a desire for lifelong learning and curiosity that drives personal and professional growth. He works closely with faculty, staff, and students to foster an inclusive, student-centered academic environment that prepares graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
