Paula L. Billups, Ph.D.
Dr. Paula L. Billups, Ph.D., is a seasoned leader, educator, and consultant with more than 30 years of experience spanning corporate, global technology consulting, and higher education. As a professor and researcher, she has dedicated her career to shaping the leaders of tomorrow by equipping students with the tools, mindset, and competencies to thrive in a changing world. With expertise in leadership development, project and change management, curriculum design, and business data science, Dr. Billups has become a trusted advisor and motivator who inspires growth, transformation, and trust in those she leads.
Beyond academia, Dr. Billups is an accomplished consultant and change leader, known for her ability to build and coach both in-person and remote teams, guide organizations through change initiatives, and design professional development programs that deliver sustainable impact. Her research and teaching philosophy have been featured at prestigious conferences, including the International Leadership Association and the U.S. Distance Learning Association. She also remains deeply committed to service and community impact, actively contributing through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the PEARL Foundation of Georgia, where she helps expand access to education and leadership opportunities.
With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University and an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Dr. Billups has cultivated a career rooted in both scholarship and practical leadership. She continues to advance her skills through certifications in business analytics and research, demonstrating her belief in lifelong learning. Passionate about growth, integrity, and empowerment, Dr. Billups embodies her guiding philosophy: that personal growth is less about learning new information and more about unlearning old limits.
• Social Behavioral-Educational Researchers
• Business Analytics Science
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Project Management Professional
• Northcentral University- Ph.D.
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- M.B.A.
• Missouri University of Science and Technology- Bachelor's
• Advisory Board and Curriculum Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation I built through computer programming, which later led me into teaching and higher education. I am especially grateful to my mother, my educators who helped me earn a scholarship, and my pastors, all of whom mentored and guided me along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to identify your purpose early and let it guide the way you live and lead.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is presenting research on new grading standards at conferences, which allows me to contribute to shaping the future of education.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are service, integrity, and serenity, which guide how I lead and connect with others. I also find fulfillment through community involvement, travel, reading, and the arts.