Greg D. Pillar Posts
Dr. Gregory D. Pillar is Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs at Gardner-Webb University, where he leads efforts to strengthen academic excellence, faculty development, and student success with a modern learner–first focus. A seasoned academic leader with over 20 years of experience, he brings a collaborative, student-centered approach to building programs and policies that serve learners across all stages of life and learning.
At Gardner-Webb, Dr. Pillar drives initiatives in curriculum innovation, accreditation, student engagement, and faculty growth, always with an eye toward relevance, inclusion, and impact. He previously served as Associate Provost at Queens University of Charlotte, where he led a successful SACSCOC reaffirmation and major academic initiatives.
An environmental chemist by training, Dr. Pillar has taught and mentored students across disciplines, led global learning experiences, and held leadership roles in honors, business, international education, and libraries. He is a contributor to the EdUp Podcast Network and host of The Bulldog Mindset, part of the Gardner-Webb Podcast Network.
At Gardner-Webb, Dr. Pillar drives initiatives in curriculum innovation, accreditation, student engagement, and faculty growth, always with an eye toward relevance, inclusion, and impact. He previously served as Associate Provost at Queens University of Charlotte, where he led a successful SACSCOC reaffirmation and major academic initiatives.
An environmental chemist by training, Dr. Pillar has taught and mentored students across disciplines, led global learning experiences, and held leadership roles in honors, business, international education, and libraries. He is a contributor to the EdUp Podcast Network and host of The Bulldog Mindset, part of the Gardner-Webb Podcast Network.
July 28, 2025
The Chemistry of Relevance: Building Institutions That Don’t Burn Out
The Chemistry of Relevance: Building Institutions That Don’t Burn OutBy Greg PillarMy path in higher education started in the classroom, the field, and the lab, teaching environmental science and chemistry. One of the memorable reactions I…
Aug. 25, 2024
Leading from the Heart of Higher Education: Empowering Mid-Level Leaders to Drive Transformation and Student Success
In higher education, leadership is often associated with those in the highest ranks—presidents, vice presidents, provosts, and chancellors. However, much of the critical work occurs in the "middle"—positions held by associate provosts, a…