Keambra Pierson, Ed.D.
Dr. Keambra Pierson is an accomplished higher education leader and the Chief Academic Operations Officer at Schoolcraft College, where she oversees a broad portfolio including curriculum and assessment, accreditation, distance learning, and academic support services. With a strong commitment to student success, she has built her career around fostering inclusive, student-centered environments that emphasize persistence, retention, and meaningful career outcomes. Known for her collaborative and strategic leadership style, Dr. Pierson works closely with faculty, staff, and community partners to implement data-informed initiatives that strengthen institutional effectiveness and drive innovation across the college.
Dr. Pierson’s professional journey is both dynamic and deeply rooted in service. She began her career in healthcare, spending more than a decade as a surgical technologist in high-pressure clinical settings before transitioning into higher education—a move she describes as unexpected but transformative. Her passion for teaching and mentorship quickly grew, leading to roles of increasing responsibility, including program director and associate dean. Alongside her academic career, she also maintained a private counseling practice from 2013 to 2019, where she supported individuals and families through mental health counseling and personal development. This unique blend of clinical, counseling, and academic experience continues to shape her empathetic and people-focused approach to leadership.
Holding a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Ferris State University, Dr. Pierson is a transformational leader dedicated to advancing equity, innovation, and institutional growth within community colleges. She is particularly passionate about workforce development, strategic enrollment management, and creating pathways that expand access to education for diverse student populations. Through her work, speaking engagements, and published thought leadership, she advocates for reimagining higher education systems to better support both students and employees. Dr. Pierson’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to empowering others, cultivating resilience, and building educational environments where individuals and communities can thrive.
• Ferris State University- Ed.D.
• Spring Arbor University- M.A.
• Siena Heights University- B.A.Sc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I think the key factor to my success is that I worked in a very high-stress environment when I was in surgery - I used to work in an environment where it was literally life or death. So now I always say, this is not life or death, and that perspective keeps me grounded. I'm a very collaborative person - I like to make sure we're all on the same page, I like to include other people's ideas and thoughts, and I think that just keeps me going and keeps me successful in my job. I'm always learning, whether it's something formal or whether I'm learning from someone else, and I'm always open to that. I have a lot of great networks and relationships, and I think that's also helped me be successful. I think it's just kind of a collaborative spirit and just always willing to learn. I also think I've been successful because I want to do things differently - higher ed has always been known for being slow or being a little bit behind whatever the trends are, and I don't believe we always have to be. I always believe that we can do better, always, and I seek those opportunities wherever I can. My time as a therapist also gave me skills I use every single day - listening and relationship-building skills that help me work with leaders and students. All of this comes together in my work helping students find their paths.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that they should be very intentional about their actions and give themselves some options. Where opportunities come, position themselves to take those opportunities - whether it's being on a committee, whether it's being a part of a thought group, joining a professional organization, anywhere where they can make connections, network with other people, and learn. And listen. Make sure they're there to learn and to listen. Then, depending on where they are with their education, higher education typically the higher you go, the higher your job title will be, so depending on what they want to do, focus their education and their experience around that particular thing. I positioned myself where I took some risk and kind of stepped outside of my lane, and I was willing to do that, and that's kind of where it just really catapulted from there. So I would say not to be afraid to do those things, but do them when they're ready. I think in higher ed, we do things and people think these opportunities never become available - they do. Just pace yourself and do it when you're ready.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in higher education is its traditionally slow pace of change, which can make it difficult to respond quickly to evolving student needs and workforce demands. At the same time, this presents a major opportunity to innovate—by embracing more agile, student-centered approaches that improve persistence, retention, and overall success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are collaboration, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to student-centered service, all grounded in a desire to help others reach their full potential.