James “Jim” Pillar, Ed.D., was named vice president for Student Life in July 2023, following a tenure at Monmouth University that began in 1995. Pillar is proud of fostering a collaborative approach to his work with students, colleagues, faculty, and external constituents, to drive constant holistic improvement of the student experience.

Pillar provides leadership of Counseling and Prevention Services, Food Services, Health Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, Residential Life, the Monmouth University Police Department, and Student Engagement, which includes fraternity and sorority life, new student orientation, veteran affairs, and student center operations. He also manages Student Conduct and Community Standards, Title IX, and Cleary Act Reporting. Pillar serves as chair of the crisis management team and contributes supervisory assistance to the chair of the student care team.

A champion of student leadership and a comprehensive student experience, Pillar has led numerous initiatives on campus and collaborated with his faculty colleagues in scholarly work focused on transformative and integrated learning.

Pillar earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Millersville University, an MBA from West Chester University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College.

Education

Ed.D., Edgewood College

MBA, West Chester University

B.S., Millersville University