Education

PhD, Educational Leadership – Western Michigan University
MBA – Grace Christian University
MA, Liberal Studies – State University of New York at Stony Brook
BA, Elementary Education, Speech and Language Pathology – Saint Joseph’s College

Certifications & Continuing Education

Executive Leadership Training Certification — Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), 2026
Professional Empowerment Coach Certification — Empowerment Coaching Network International, 2014; refresher training, 2022
Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Levels 1 & 2 Certification — Cultural Intelligence Center, 2017
Designing Competency-Based Learning Solutions for Adults — Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), four-course certificate program, in progress; anticipated completion 2027

About

Dr. Kimberly Pilieci serves as Professor and Chair of Graduate Education and Leadership Programs at Grace Christian University, where she teaches graduate courses in organizational leadership, higher education, research, curriculum and assessment, and related areas. She is passionate about helping students grow and believes that education has the potential to change lives.

Kim brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education as a professor, faculty developer, curriculum designer, and academic leader. Prior to her current role, she served Grace Christian University as Provost and Chief Academic Officer for nine years and Academic Dean for four years, providing leadership for academic programs, assessment, accreditation, and student success while remaining actively engaged in teaching and mentoring students and faculty.

At the heart of Kim’s teaching is the conviction that excellent teaching does not require professors to choose between rigor and compassion, accountability and grace, high standards and student dignity, or meaningful connection and healthy boundaries. Instead, these values work together to create learning experiences that both challenge and honor students. Her approach emphasizes intentional presence, growth-oriented feedback, applied learning, and biblical integration while preserving the meaningful work and joy of learning.

Kim is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves family dinners and vacations, long walks and short bike rides, reading and learning, and palm trees and the beach!