Shirley R. Pippins

Shirley R. Pippins, Ed.D., is an ELA Faculty member at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, and affiliated with the Center for Studies in Higher Education. A seasoned higher education leader, she previously served as president of Thomas Nelson Community College, Suffolk County Community College, and Victory University, focusing on academic excellence, student success, and workforce development. Dr. Pippins holds leadership roles in programs such as the Executive Leadership Academy at UC Berkeley and ACE’s Spectrum Aspiring Leaders Program.

Education:

• Ed.D., Columbia University Teachers College
• M.A.T., Manhattanville College
• M.A., University of Illinois (Phi Beta Kappa member)
• Graduate of Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management

Research and Leadership Focus: Dr. Pippins specializes in developing diverse leadership pipelines in higher education, with emphasis on women’s empowerment, institutional partnerships, and economic development through education. Her work includes designing programs like A2MEND (for women leaders) and LIFT (for diverse professionals).

Grants and Funding: During her tenure, Suffolk County Community College secured a $5M anonymous gift for workforce development initiatives. She also led successful fundraising campaigns for facilities and corporate partnerships.

Additional Contributions:

• Two-time Chair of ACE’s Commission for Women
• Immediate Past Vice Chair of HERS (Higher Education Resource Services)
• Member of the American Association of Community Colleges’ Executive Committee

Labs/Teams: Active in programs such as the Executive Leadership Academy, ACE Regional Women’s Leadership Forum, and Leadership Institute for Tomorrow (LIFT).