The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Hires Dr. Shreerekha Pillai as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke has appointed Dr. Shreerekha Pillai as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 1, 2025. UNC Pembroke partnered with Buffkin / Baker Partners on the search.
In her role as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Pillai will build on the college’s strengths, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand community partnerships. She will create opportunities for programmatic growth and build bridges that connect UNC Pembroke with the larger community while also supporting the academic and professional growth of both faculty and students.
With over 30 years of academic experience, Dr. Pillai joins UNC Pembroke from the University of Houston—Clear Lake (UHCL), where she currently serves as Associate Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Humanities. During her 18-year tenure at UHCL, Dr. Pillai has held various leadership roles including Professor of Humanities and Chair of the Liberal Arts Department. Dr. Pillai holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Rutgers University—New Brunswick, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Michigan, where she graduated with honors.
Dr. Diane Prusank, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs said “Her inclusive leadership style and belief in the power of education make her an ideal fit for UNC Pembroke. We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to the meaningful impact she will make on our campus and in our broader community.”